Electric vehicle port and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle

ABSTRACT

Aspects relate to an electric vehicle port and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle. An exemplary electric vehicle port includes a housing configured to mate with a connector for charging an electric vehicle, wherein the housing comprises a fastener for removable attachment with the connector; at least a conductor configured to conduct a current; at least a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal; at least a ground conductor configured to conduct to a ground; and at least a coolant flow path configured to contain a flow of a coolant, wherein, each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signal conductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolant flow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component on the connector for charging the electric vehicle when the housing is mated with the connector.

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/405,840, filed on Aug. 18, 2021, entitled “CONNECTOR ANDMETHODS OF USE FOR CHARGING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE,” which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of electricvehicles. In particular, the present invention is directed to aconnector and methods of use for charging an electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Electric vehicles hold great promise in their ability to run usingsustainably source energy, without increase atmospheric carbonassociated with burning of fossil fuels. Perennial downsides associatedwith electric vehicles, include poor energy storage and therefore rangeof operation, as well as long times to recharge on board batteries.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect, an electric vehicle port includes a housing configured tomate with a connector for charging an electric vehicle, wherein thehousing comprises a fastener for removable attachment with theconnector; at least a conductor configured to conduct a current; atleast a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal;at least a ground conductor configured to conduct to a ground; and atleast a coolant flow path configured to contain a flow of a coolant,wherein, each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signalconductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolantflow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component onthe connector for charging the electric vehicle when the housing ismated with the connector.

In another aspect method of charging, utilizing an electric vehicleport, an electric vehicle, the method comprising mating, utilizing ahousing of an electric vehicle port, with a connector for charging anelectric vehicle, wherein the housing comprises a fastener for removableattachment with the connector; conducting, utilizing at least aconductor of the electric vehicle port, a current; conducting, utilizingat least a control signal conductor of the electric vehicle port, acontrol signal; conducting, utilizing at least a ground conductor of theelectric vehicle port, to a ground; and containing, utilizing at least acoolant flow path of the electric vehicle port, a flow of a coolant,wherein each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signalconductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolantflow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component onthe connector when the housing is mated with the connector.

These and other aspects and features of non-limiting embodiments of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponreview of the following description of specific non-limiting embodimentsof the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system for chargingan electric vehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic of an exemplary electricvehicle port for charging an electric vehicle;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary coolant flow path within an exemplaryelectric vehicle port;

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary battery module;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of an exemplary aircraft battery pack having acooling circuit;

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an exemplary cooling circuit;

FIG. 7 is perspective drawings illustrating a battery pack, according toembodiments;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary battery pack for preventingprogression of thermal runaway between modules;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of another exemplary battery pack forpreventing progression of thermal runaway between modules;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary sensor suite;

FIG. 11 is a graph that depicts exemplary battery temperature duringrecharge under a number of exemplary conditions;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of an exemplary electric aircraft;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary flight controller;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary machine-learning process;

FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method of use forcharging an electric vehicle utilizing an electric vehicle port; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a computing system that can be used toimplement any one or more of the methodologies disclosed herein and anyone or more portions thereof.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated byphantom lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. Incertain instances, details that are not necessary for an understandingof the embodiments or that render other details difficult to perceivemay have been omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At a high level, aspects of the present disclosure are directed tosystems and methods for charging an electric vehicle at high rates ofspeed and electric current, thereby facilitating fast recharging ofelectric vehicles. In an embodiment, aspects relate specifically to aconnector for interfacing with an electric vehicle for recharging.Connector may include multiple interfaces required for fast charging ofelectric vehicles. For example connector may include a coolant interfaceto deliver coolant to at least a battery of electric vehicle duringrecharging. Connector may include cooling of power contacts and/orcables within connector to prevent overheating of those elements duringrecharging as well. As it is generation of heat which preventsfast-charging of electric batteries, aspects of connector describedherein provides an improvement of existing charging methods.

Aspects of the present disclosure can be used to connect withcommunication, control, and/or sensor signals associated with anelectric vehicle during recharging, thereby allowing for monitoring ofthe recharge and feedback control of various recharging systems, forexample power sources and coolant sources. Aspects of the presentdisclosure can also be used to verify functionality of electric vehiclerecharging systems. This is so, at least in part, because certainelectric vehicles, such as electric aircraft require highest assuranceof technical processes associated with their maintenance. Therefore, insome cases, aspects relate to systems for verifying performance ofcooling and/or charging processes in between charges of electricvehicles.

Aspects of the present disclosure allow for a future where technologicaldownsides associated with recharging of electric vehicles no-longer slowtheir adoption in any number of fields including in manned flight.Exemplary embodiments illustrating aspects of the present disclosure aredescribed below in the context of several specific examples.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary system 100 for recharging anelectric vehicle is illustrated. System 100 may be used in support of anelectric aircraft. For instance, system 100 may be used to recharge anelectrical aircraft. In some cases, system 100 may be tethered toelectric vehicle during support. In some cases, system 100 may betethered to a physical location on ground, for example an electricalpower source. Alternatively, system 100 may not be tethered to aphysical location on the ground and may be substantially free to movewhen not tethered to an electric vehicle. System 100 may be configuredto charge and/or recharge an electric vehicle. As used in thisdisclosure, “charging” refers to a process of increasing energy storedwithin and energy source. In some cases, an energy source includes atleast a battery and charging includes providing an electrical current tothe at least a battery.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a controller104. Controller 104 may include any computing device as described inthis disclosure, including without limitation a microcontroller,microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) and/or system on a chip(SoC) as described in this disclosure. Computing device may include, beincluded in, and/or communicate with a mobile device such as a mobiletelephone or smartphone. Controller 104 may be configured to be housedin and/or coupled to the connector and/or electric vehicle port.Controller 104 may include a single computing device operatingindependently, or may include two or more computing device operating inconcert, in parallel, sequentially or the like; two or more computingdevices may be included together in a single computing device or in twoor more computing devices. Controller 104 may interface or communicatewith one or more additional devices as described below in further detailvia a network interface device. Network interface device may be utilizedfor connecting controller 104 to one or more of a variety of networks,and one or more devices. Examples of a network interface device include,but are not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a mobile networkinterface card, a LAN card), a modem, and any combination thereof.Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide areanetwork (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local areanetwork (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campusor other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a datanetwork associated with a telephone/voice provider (e.g., a mobilecommunications provider data and/or voice network), a direct connectionbetween two computing devices, and any combinations thereof. A networkmay employ a wired and/or a wireless mode of communication. In general,any network topology may be used. Information (e.g., data, softwareetc.) may be communicated to and/or from a computer and/or a computingdevice. Controller 104 may include but is not limited to, for example, acomputing device or cluster of computing devices in a first location anda second computing device or cluster of computing devices in a secondlocation. Controller 104 may include one or more computing devicesdedicated to data storage, security, distribution of traffic for loadbalancing, and the like. Controller 104 may distribute one or morecomputing tasks as described below across a plurality of computingdevices of computing device, which may operate in parallel, in series,redundantly, or in any other manner used for distribution of tasks ormemory between computing devices. Controller 104 may be implementedusing a “shared nothing” architecture in which data is cached at theworker, in an embodiment, this may enable scalability of system 100and/or computing device.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , controller 104 may be designedand/or configured to perform any method, method step, or sequence ofmethod steps in any embodiment described in this disclosure, in anyorder and with any degree of repetition. For instance, controller 104may be configured to perform a single step or sequence repeatedly untila desired or commanded outcome is achieved; repetition of a step or asequence of steps may be performed iteratively and/or recursively usingoutputs of previous repetitions as inputs to subsequent repetitions,aggregating inputs and/or outputs of repetitions to produce an aggregateresult, reduction or decrement of one or more variables such as globalvariables, and/or division of a larger processing task into a set ofiteratively addressed smaller processing tasks. controller 104 mayperform any step or sequence of steps as described in this disclosure inparallel, such as simultaneously and/or substantially simultaneouslyperforming a step two or more times using two or more parallel threads,processor cores, or the like; division of tasks between parallel threadsand/or processes may be performed according to any protocol suitable fordivision of tasks between iterations. Persons skilled in the art, uponreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various waysin which steps, sequences of steps, processing tasks, and/or data may besubdivided, shared, or otherwise dealt with using iteration, recursion,and/or parallel processing.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a connector108. As used in this disclosure, a “connector” is a distal end of atether or a bundle of tethers, e.g., hose, tubing, cables, wires, andthe like, which is configured to removably attach with a matingcomponent, for example without limitation a port. As used in thisdisclosure, a “port” is an interface for example of an interfaceconfigured to receive another component or an interface configured totransmit and/or receive signal on a computing device. For example in thecase of an electric vehicle port, the port interfaces with a number ofconductors and/or a coolant flow path by way of receiving a connector.In the case of a computing device port, the port may provide aninterface between a signal and a computing device. As a further exampleand without limitation, in the case of an electric vehicle connector,the connector interfaces with a number of conductors and/or a coolantflow path by way of mating with the electric vehicle port. Connector108, in a non-limiting embodiment, may be configured to be housed inand/or coupled to the connector and/or electric vehicle port. Aconnector may include a male component having a penetrative form andport may include a female component having a receptive form, receptiveto the male component. Alternatively or additionally, connector may havea female component and port may have a male component. In some cases,connector may include multiple connections, which may make contactand/or communicate with associated mating components within port, whenthe connector is mated with the port.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 108 may include ahousing. As used in this disclosure, a “housing” is a physical componentwithin which other internal components are located. In some cases,internal components with housing will be functional while function ofhousing may largely be to protect the internal components. Housing maybe configured to be housed in, located at and/or coupled to theconnector and/or electric vehicle port. Housing and/or connector may beconfigured to mate with a port, for example an electrical vehicle port112. As a further example and without limitation, housing and/orconnector may be configured to mate with a connector. As used in thisdisclosure, “mate” is an action of attaching two or more componentstogether. As used in this disclosure, an “electric vehicle port” is aport located on an electric vehicle 116. Mating may be performed using amechanical or electromechanical means described in this disclosure. Forexample, without limitation mating may include an electromechanicaldevice used to join electrical conductors and create an electricalcircuit. In some cases, mating may be performed by way of genderedmating components. A gendered mate may include a male component or plugwhich is inserted within a female component or socket. In some cases,mating may be removable. In some cases, mating may be permanent. In somecases, mating may be removable, but require a specialized tool or keyfor removal. Mating may be achieved by way of one or more of plug andsocket mates, pogo pin contact, crown spring mates, and the like. Insome cases, mating may be keyed to ensure proper alignment of connector108 and/or electric vehicle port 112. In some cases, mate may belockable. As used in this disclosure, an “electric vehicle” is anyelectrically power means of human transport, for example withoutlimitation an electric aircraft or electric vertical take-off andlanding aircraft. In some cases, an electric vehicle will include anenergy source configured to power at least a motor configured to movethe electric vehicle 116.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 108 and/or housing ofconnector may include a fastener. As used in this disclosure, a“fastener” is a physical component that is designed and/or configured toattach or fasten two (or more) components together. The fastener may beconfigured to be housed in, located at and/or coupled to the connectorand/or electric vehicle port Connector may include one or moreattachment components or mechanisms, for example without limitationfasteners, threads, snaps, canted coil springs, and the like. In somecases, connector may be connected to port by way of one or more pressfasteners. Electric vehicle port may include one or more attachmentcomponents or mechanisms, for example without limitation fasteners,threads, snaps, canted coil springs, and the like. In some cases,electric vehicle port may be connected to the connector by way of one ormore press fasteners. As used in this disclosure, a “press fastener” isa fastener that couples a first surface to a second surface when the twosurfaces are pressed together. Some press fasteners include elements onthe first surface that interlock with elements on the second surface;such fasteners include without limitation hook-and-loop fasteners suchas VELCRO fasteners produced by Velcro Industries B.V. Limited LiabilityCompany of Curacao Netherlands, and fasteners held together by aplurality of flanged or “mushroom”-shaped elements, such as 3M DUAL LOCKfasteners manufactured by 3M Company of Saint Paul, Minn. Press-fastenermay also include adhesives, including reusable gel adhesives, GECKSKINadhesives developed by the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, ofAmherst, Mass., or other reusable adhesives. Where press-fastenerincludes an adhesive, the adhesive may be entirely located on the firstsurface of the press-fastener or on the second surface of thepress-fastener, allowing any surface that can adhere to the adhesive toserve as the corresponding surface. In some cases, connector may beconnected to port by way of magnetic force. For example, connector mayinclude one or more of a magnetic, a ferro-magnetic material, and/or anelectromagnet. Fastener may be configured to provide removableattachment between connector 108 and at least a port, for exampleelectrical vehicle port 112. As used in this disclosure, “removableattachment” is an attributive term that refers to an attribute of one ormore relata to be attached to and subsequently detached from anotherrelata; removable attachment is a relation that is contrary to permanentattachment wherein two or more relata may be attached without any meansfor future detachment. Exemplary non-limiting methods of permanentattachment include certain uses of adhesives, glues, nails, engineeringinterference (i.e., press) fits, and the like. In some cases, detachmentof two or more relata permanently attached may result in breakage of oneor more of the two or more relata.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include one or moreconductors 120 having a distal end approximately located withinconnector 108 and/or the electric vehicle port. Conductor 120 may beconfigured to be housed in, located at and/or coupled to the connectorand/or electric vehicle port. As used in this disclosure, a “conductor”is a component that facilitates conduction. As used in this disclosure,“conduction” is a process by which one or more of heat and/orelectricity is transmitted through a substance, for example when thereis a difference of effort (i.e., temperature or electrical potential)between adjoining regions. In some cases, a conductor 120 may beconfigured to charge and/or recharge an electric vehicle. For instance,conductor 120 may be connected to a power source 124 and conductor maybe designed and/or configured to facilitate a specified amount ofelectrical power, current, or current type. For example, a conductor 120may include a direct current conductor 120. As used in this disclosure,a “direct current conductor” is a conductor configured to carry a directcurrent for recharging an energy source 124. As used in this disclosure,“direct current” is one-directional flow of electric charge. In somecases, a conductor 120 may include an alternating current conductor 120.As used in this disclosure, an “alternating current conductor” is aconductor configured to carry an alternating current for recharging anenergy source 124. As used in this disclosure, an “alternating current”is a flow of electric charge that periodically reverse direction; insome cases, an alternating current may change its magnitude continuouslywith in time (e.g., sine wave).

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a powersource 124 mounted configured to provide an electrical charging current.As used in this disclosure, a “power source” is a source of electricalpower, for example for charging a battery. In some cases, power source124 may include a charging battery (i.e., a battery used for chargingother batteries. A charging battery is notably contrasted with anelectric vehicle battery, which is located for example upon an electricaircraft. As used in this disclosure, an “electrical charging current”is a flow of electrical charge that facilitates an increase in storedelectrical energy of an energy storage, such as without limitation abattery. Charging battery 124 may include a plurality of batteries,battery modules, and/or battery cells. Charging battery 124 may beconfigured to store a range of electrical energy, for example a range ofbetween about 5 KWh and about 5,000 KWh. Power source 124 may house avariety of electrical components. In one embodiment, power source 124may contain a solar inverter. Solar inverter may be configured toproduce on-site power generation. In one embodiment, power generatedfrom solar inverter may be stored in a charging battery. In someembodiments, charging battery may include a used electric vehiclebattery no longer fit for service in a vehicle. Charging battery 116 mayinclude any battery described in this disclosure, including withreference to FIGS. 5-12 .

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a conductor120 in electric communication with power source 124. As used in thisdisclosure, a “conductor” is a physical device and/or object thatfacilitates conduction, for example electrical conduction and/or thermalconduction. In some cases, a conductor may be an electrical conductor,for example a wire and/or cable. Exemplary conductor materials includemetals, such as without limitation copper, nickel, steel, and the like.As used in this disclosure, “communication” is an attribute wherein twoor more relata interact with one another, for example within a specificdomain or in a certain manner. In some cases communication between twoor more relata may be of a specific domain, such as without limitationelectric communication, fluidic communication, informatic communication,mechanic communication, and the like. As used in this disclosure,“electric communication” is an attribute wherein two or more relatainteract with one another by way of an electric current or electricityin general. As used in this disclosure, “fluidic communication” is anattribute wherein two or more relata interact with one another by way ofa fluidic flow or fluid in general. As used in this disclosure,“informatic communication” is an attribute wherein two or more relatainteract with one another by way of an information flow or informationin general. As used in this disclosure, “mechanic communication” is anattribute wherein two or more relata interact with one another by way ofmechanical means, for instance mechanic effort (e.g., force) and flow(e.g., velocity).

In some embodiments, and still referring to FIG. 1 , power source 124may have a continuous power rating of at least 350 kVA. In otherembodiments, power source 124 may have a continuous power rating of over350 kVA. In some embodiments, power source 124 may have a battery chargerange up to 950 Vdc. In other embodiments, power source 124 may have abattery charge range of over 950 Vdc. In some embodiments, power source124 may have a continuous charge current of at least 350 amps. In otherembodiments, power source 124 may have a continuous charge current ofover 350 amps. In some embodiments, power source 124 may have a boostcharge current of at least 500 amps. In other embodiments, power source124 may have a boost charge current of over 500 amps. In someembodiments, power source 124 may include any component with thecapability of recharging an energy source of an electric vehicle. Insome embodiments, power source 124 may include a constant voltagecharger, a constant current charger, a taper current charger, a pulsedcurrent charger, a negative pulse charger, an IUI charger, a tricklecharger, and a float charger.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, system 100 mayadditionally include an alternating current to direct current converterconfigured to convert an electrical charging current from an alternatingcurrent. As used in this disclosure, an “analog current to directcurrent converter” is an electrical component that is configured toconvert analog current to digital current. An analog current to directcurrent (AC-DC) converter may include an analog current to directcurrent power supply and/or transformer. In some cases, AC-DC convertermay be located within an electric vehicle and conductors may provide analternating current to the electric vehicle by way of conductors 120,connector 108 and/or the electric vehicle port. Alternatively and/oradditionally, in some cases, AC-DC converter may be located outside ofelectric vehicle and an electrical charging current may be provided byway of a direct current to the electric vehicle. In some cases, AC-DCconverter may be used to recharge a charging battery 124. In some cases,AC-DC converter may be used to provide electrical power to one or moreof coolant source 132, power source 124, and/or controller 104. In someembodiments, power source 124 may have a connection to grid powercomponent. Grid power component may be connected to an externalelectrical power grid. In some embodiments, grid power component may beconfigured to slowly charge one or more batteries in order to reducestrain on nearby electrical power grids. In one embodiment, grid powercomponent may have an AC grid current of at least 450 amps. In someembodiments, grid power component may have an AC grid current of more orless than 450 amps. In one embodiment, grid power component may have anAC voltage connection of 480 Vac. In other embodiments, grid powercomponent may have an AC voltage connection of above or below 480 Vac.In some embodiments, power source 124 may provide power to the gridpower component. In this configuration, power source 124 may providepower to a surrounding electrical power grid.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 120 may include acontrol signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal. Controlsignal conductor may be configured to be housed in, located at and/orcoupled to the connector and/or electric vehicle port. As used in thisdisclosure, a “control signal conductor” is a conductor configured tocarry a control signal between an electric vehicle and a charger. Asused in this disclosure, a “control signal” is an electrical signal thatis indicative of information. In this disclosure, “control pilot” isused interchangeably in this application with control signal. In somecases, a control signal may include an analog signal or a digitalsignal. In some cases, control signal may be communicated from one ormore sensors, for example located within electric vehicle (e.g., withinan electric vehicle battery) and/or located within connector 108. Forexample, in some cases, control signal may be associated with a batterywithin an electric vehicle. For example, control signal may include abattery sensor signal. As used in this disclosure, a “battery sensorsignal” is a signal representative of a characteristic of a battery. Insome cases, battery sensor signal may be representative of acharacteristic of an electric vehicle battery, for example as electricvehicle battery is being recharged. In some versions, controller 104 mayadditionally include a sensor interface configured to receive a batterysensor signal. Sensor interface may include one or more ports, an analogto digital converter, and the like. Controller 104 may be furtherconfigured to control one or more of electrical charging current andcoolant flow as a function of battery sensor signal and/or controlsignal. For example, controller 104 may control coolant source 132and/or power source 124 as a function of battery sensor signal and/orcontrol signal. In some cases, battery sensor signal may berepresentative of battery temperature. In some cases, battery sensorsignal may represent battery cell swell. In some cases, battery sensorsignal may be representative of temperature of electric vehicle battery,for example temperature of one or more battery cells within an electricvehicle battery. In some cases, a sensor, a circuit, and/or a controller104 may perform one or more signal processing steps on a signal. Forinstance, sensor, circuit or controller 104 may analyze, modify, and/orsynthesize a signal in order to improve the signal, for instance byimproving transmission, storage efficiency, or signal to noise ratio.

Exemplary methods of signal processing may include analog, continuoustime, discrete, digital, nonlinear, and statistical. Analog signalprocessing may be performed on non-digitized or analog signals.Exemplary analog processes may include passive filters, active filters,additive mixers, integrators, delay lines, compandors, multipliers,voltage-controlled filters, voltage-controlled oscillators, andphase-locked loops. Continuous-time signal processing may be used, insome cases, to process signals which varying continuously within adomain, for instance time. Exemplary non-limiting continuous timeprocesses may include time domain processing, frequency domainprocessing (Fourier transform), and complex frequency domain processing.Discrete time signal processing may be used when a signal is samplednon-continuously or at discrete time intervals (i.e., quantized intime). Analog discrete-time signal processing may process a signal usingthe following exemplary circuits sample and hold circuits, analogtime-division multiplexers, analog delay lines and analog feedback shiftregisters. Digital signal processing may be used to process digitizeddiscrete-time sampled signals. Commonly, digital signal processing maybe performed by a computing device or other specialized digitalcircuits, such as without limitation an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a specializeddigital signal processor (DSP). Digital signal processing may be used toperform any combination of typical arithmetical operations, includingfixed-point and floating-point, real-valued and complex-valued,multiplication and addition. Digital signal processing may additionallyoperate circular buffers and lookup tables. Further non-limitingexamples of algorithms that may be performed according to digital signalprocessing techniques include fast Fourier transform (FFT), finiteimpulse response (FIR) filter, infinite impulse response (IIR) filter,and adaptive filters such as the Wiener and Kalman filters. Statisticalsignal processing may be used to process a signal as a random function(i.e., a stochastic process), utilizing statistical properties. Forinstance, in some embodiments, a signal may be modeled with aprobability distribution indicating noise, which then may be used toreduce noise in a processed signal.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 120 may include aground conductor. The ground conductor may be configured to be housedin, located at and/or coupled to the connector and/or electric vehicleport. As used in this disclosure, a “ground conductor” is a conductorconfigured to be in electrical communication with a ground. As used inthis disclosure, a “ground” is a reference point in an electricalcircuit, a common return path for electric current, or a direct physicalconnection to the earth. Ground may include an absolute ground such asearth or ground may include a relative (or reference) ground, forexample in a floating configuration.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , system 100 may include a coolantflow path 128. Coolant flow path 128 may have a distal end locatedsubstantially at connector 108 and/or the electric vehicle port. Coolantflow path 128 may be configured to be housed in, located at and/orcoupled to the connector and/or electric vehicle port. As used in thisdisclosure, a “coolant flow path” is a component that is substantiallyimpermeable to a coolant and contains and/or directs a coolant flow. Asused in this disclosure, “coolant” is any flowable heat transfer medium.Coolant may include a liquid, a gas, a solid, and/or a fluid. Coolantmay include a compressible fluid and/or a non-compressible fluid.Coolant may include a non-electrically conductive liquid such as afluorocarbon-based fluid, such as without limitation Fluorinert™ from 3Mof Saint Paul, Minn., USA. In some cases, coolant may include air. Asused in this disclosure, a “flow of coolant” is a stream of coolant. Insome cases, coolant may include a fluid and coolant flow is a fluidflow. Alternatively or additionally, in some cases, coolant may includea solid (e.g., bulk material) and coolant flow may include motion of thesolid. Exemplary forms of mechanical motion for bulk materials includefluidized flow, augers, conveyors, slumping, sliding, rolling, and thelike. Coolant flow path 128 may be in fluidic communication with acoolant source 132. As used in this disclosure, a “coolant source” is anorigin, generator, reservoir, or flow producer of coolant. In somecases, a coolant source 132 may include a flow producer, such as a fanand/or a pump. Coolant source 132 may include any of followingnon-limiting examples, air conditioner, refrigerator, heat exchanger,pump, fan, expansion valve, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, coolant source 132 maybe further configured to transfer heat between coolant, for examplecoolant belonging to coolant flow, and an ambient air. As used in thisdisclosure, “ambient air” is air which is proximal a system and/orsubsystem, for instance the air in an environment which a system and/orsub-system is operating. For example, in some cases, coolant source 132comprises a heart transfer device between coolant and ambient air.Exemplary heat transfer devices include, without limitation, chillers,Peltier junctions, heat pumps, refrigeration, air conditioning,expansion or throttle valves, heat exchangers (air-to-air heatexchangers, air-to-liquid heat exchangers, shell-tube heat exchangers,and the like), vapor-compression cycle system, vapor absorption cyclesystem, gas cycle system, Stirling engine, reverse Carnot cycle system,and the like. In some versions, controller 104 may be further configuredto control a temperature of coolant. For instance, in some cases, asensor may be located within thermal communication with coolant, suchthat sensor is able to detect, measure, or otherwise quantifytemperature of coolant within a certain acceptable level of precision.In some cases, sensor may include a thermometer. Exemplary thermometersinclude without limitation, pyrometers, infrared non-contactingthermometers, thermistors, thermocouples, and the like. In some cases,thermometer may transduce coolant temperature to a coolant temperaturesignal and transmit the coolant temperature signal to controller 104.Controller 104 may receive coolant temperature signal and control heattransfer between ambient air and coolant as a function of the coolanttemperature signal. Controller 104 may use any control method and/oralgorithm used in this disclosure to control heat transfer, includingwithout limitation proportional control, proportional-integral control,proportional-integral-derivative control, and the like. In some cases,controller 104 may be further configured to control temperature ofcoolant within a temperature range below an ambient air temperature. Asused in this disclosure, an “ambient air temperature” is temperature ofan ambient air. An exemplary non-limiting temperature range belowambient air temperature is about −5° C. to about −30° C. In someembodiments, coolant flow may substantially be comprised of air. In somecases, coolant flow may have a rate within a range a specified range. Anon-limiting exemplary coolant flow range may be about 0.1 CFM and about100 CFM. In some cases, rate of coolant flow may be considered as avolumetric flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, rate of coolantflow may be considered as a velocity or flux. In some embodiments,coolant source 124 may be further configured to transfer heat between aheat source, such as without limitation ambient air or chemical energy,such as by way of combustion, and coolant, for example coolant flow. Insome cases, coolant source 124 may heat coolant, for example aboveambient air temperature, and/or cool coolant, for example below anambient air temperature. In some cases, coolant source 124 may bepowered by electricity, such as by way of one or more electric motors.Alternatively or additionally, coolant source 124 may be powered by acombustion engine, for example a gasoline powered internal combustionengine. In some cases, coolant flow may be configured, such that heattransfer is facilitated between coolant flow and at least a battery, byany methods known and/or described in this disclosure. In some cases, atleast a battery may include a plurality of pouch cells. In some cases,heat is transferred between coolant flow and one or more components ofat least a pouch cell, including without limitation electrical tabs,pouch and the like. In some cases, coolant flow may be configured tofacilitate hear transfer between the coolant flow and at least aconductor of electric vehicle, including without limitation electricalbusses within at least a battery.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, coolant source 132 mayoccur synchronously and/or asynchronously with charging. For example, insome case, coolant source 132 may be configured to provide a flow ofcoolant prior to charging a battery of an electric vehicle. In someembodiments, coolant flow path 128 may facilitate fluidic and/or thermalcommunication with coolant source 132 and at least a battery whenconnector 108 is connected to port 112. Alternatively and/oradditionally, coolant flow path 128 may facilitate fluidic and/orthermal communication with coolant source 132 and a cabin and/orcargo-space of aircraft when connector 108 is connected to port 112. Insome cases, a plurality of coolant flow paths 128, coolant sources 132,and/or connectors 108 may be used to connect to multiple components ofan electric vehicle. In some cases, coolant source 132 may provideconditioned air in order to control an environmental temperature withinan electric vehicle, such as an aircraft, for example without limitationfor cargo, passengers, and/or crew. In some cases, coolant source 132may pre-condition at least a vehicle battery. As used in thisdisclosure, “pre-conditioning” is an act of affecting a characteristicof a battery, for example battery temperature, pressure, humidity,swell, and the like, substantially prior to charging. For example andwithout limitation, coolant source 132 may be configured topre-condition at least a battery prior to charging, by providing acoolant flow to the at least a battery and raising and/or loweringtemperature of the at least a battery. As a further non-limitingexample, pre-conditioning may occur for a predetermined time prior tocharging (e.g., 1 min, 10 min, 1 hour, 4 hours, and the like).Alternatively or additionally, pre-conditioning may be feedbackcontrolled, by way of at least a battery sensor, and occur until or fora predetermined time after a certain condition has been met, such aswithout limitation when at least a battery is within a desiredtemperature range. In some cases, coolant source 132 may be configuredto pre-condition any space or component within a vehicle, such as anaircraft, including without limitation cargo space and cabin. In somecases, and without limitation, coolant source 132 may provide cooling toat least a battery after charging the at least a battery. In some cases,and without limitation, at least a machine-learning process may be usedto determine and/or optimize parameters associated with cooling at leasta battery. In some non-limiting cases, controller 104 may use at least amachine-learning process to optimize cooling time relative of currentcharging metrics, for example power source 124 parameters and/or sensorsignals. Coolant source 132 may include any computing device describedin this disclosure. Coolant source 132 and controller 104 may utilizeany machine-learning process described in this disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , controller 104 may be configured tocontrol one or more electrical charging current within conductor 120 andcoolant flow within coolant flow path 124. As used in this disclosure, a“controller” is a logic circuit, such as an application-specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), FPGA, microcontroller, and/or computingdevice that is configured to control a subsystem. For example,controller 104 may be configured to control one or more of coolantsource 132 and/or power source 124. In some embodiments controller maycontrol coolant source 132 and/or power source 124 according to acontrol signal. As used in this disclosure, “control signal” is anytransmission from controller to a subsystem that may affect performanceof subsystem. In some embodiments, control signal may be analog. In somecases, control signal may be digital. Control signal may be communicatedaccording to one or more communication protocols, for example withoutlimitation Ethernet, universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter, andthe like. In some cases, control signal may be a serial signal. In somecases, control signal may be a parallel signal. Control signal may becommunicated by way of a network, for example a controller area network(CAN). In some cases, control signal may include commands to operate oneor more of coolant source 132 and/or power source 124. For example, insome cases, coolant source 132 may include a valve to control coolantflow and controller 104 may be configured to control the valve by way ofcontrol signal. In some cases, coolant source 132 may include a flowsource (e.g., a pump, a fan, or the like) and controller 104 may beconfigured to control the flow source by way of control signal. In somecases, coolant source 132 may be configured to control a temperature ofcoolant and controller 104 may be configured to control a coolanttemperature setpoint or range by way of control signal. In some cases,power source 124 may include one or electrical components configured tocontrol flow of an electric recharging current or switches, relays,direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converters, and the like. Insome case, power source 124 may include one or more circuits configuredto provide a variable current source to provide electric rechargingcurrent, for example an active current source. Non-limiting examples ofactive current sources include active current sources without negativefeedback, such as current-stable nonlinear implementation circuits,following voltage implementation circuits, voltage compensationimplementation circuits, and current compensation implementationcircuits, and current sources with negative feedback, including simpletransistor current sources, such as constant currant diodes, Zener diodecurrent source circuits, LED current source circuits, transistorcurrent, and the like, Op-amp current source circuits, voltage regulatorcircuits, and curpistor tubes, to name a few. In some cases, one or morecircuits within power source 124 or within communication with powersource 124 are configured to affect electrical recharging currentaccording to control signal from controller 104, such that thecontroller 104 may control at least a parameter of the electricalcharging current. For example, in some cases, controller 104 may controlone or more of current (Amps), potential (Volts), and/or power (Watts)of electrical charging current by way of control signal. In some cases,controller 104 may be configured to selectively engage electricalcharging current, for example ON or OFF by way of control signal.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , connector 108 may be configuredsuch that one or more of a conductor 120 and a coolant flow path 128make a connection with a mating component on within an electric vehicleport 112 when the connector 108 is mated with the electric vehicle port112. As used in this disclosure, a “mating component” is a componentthat is configured to mate with at least another component, for examplein a certain (i.e., mated) configuration.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , a conductor 120 may include aproximity signal conductor 120. Proximity signal conductor 120 may beconfigured to be housed in, located at and/or coupled to the connectorand/or electric vehicle port. As used in this disclosure, an “proximitysignal conductor” is a conductor configured to carry a proximity signal.As used in this disclosure, a “proximity signal” is a signal that isindicative of information about a location of connector. Proximitysignal may be indicative of attachment of connector with a port, forinstance electric vehicle port and/or test port. In some cases, aproximity signal may include an analog signal, a digital signal, anelectrical signal, an optical signal, a fluidic signal, or the like. Insome cases, a proximity signal conductor 120 may be configured toconduct a proximity signal indicative of attachment between connector108 and a port, for example electric vehicle port 112.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some cases, system 100 may additionallyinclude a proximity sensor. Proximity sensor may be electricallycommunicative with a proximity signal conductor 120. Proximity sensormay be configured to generate a proximity signal as a function ofconnection between connector 108 and a port, for example electricvehicle port 112. As used in this disclosure, a “sensor” is a devicethat is configured to detect a phenomenon and transmit informationrelated to the detection of the phenomenon. For example, in some cases asensor may transduce a detected phenomenon, such as without limitationtemperature, pressure, and the like, into a sensed signal. As used inthis disclosure, a “proximity sensor” is a sensor that is configured todetect at least a phenomenon related to connecter being mated to a port.Proximity sensor may include any sensor described in this disclosure,including without limitation a switch, a capacitive sensor, a capacitivedisplacement sensor, a doppler effect sensor, an inductive sensor, amagnetic sensor, an optical sensor (such as without limitation aphotoelectric sensor, a photocell, a laser rangefinder, a passivecharge-coupled device, a passive thermal infrared sensor, and the like),a radar sensor, a reflection sensor, a sonar sensor, an ultrasonicsensor, fiber optics sensor, a Hall effect sensor, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, system 100 mayadditionally include an isolation monitor conductor configured toconduct an isolation monitoring signal. In some cases, power systems forexample power source 124 or electric vehicle batteries must remainelectrically isolated from communication, control, and/or sensorsignals. As used in this disclosure, “isolation” is a state wheresubstantially no communication of a certain type is possible between tocomponents, for example electrical isolation refers to elements whichare not in electrical communication. Often signal carrying conductorsand components (e.g., sensors) may need to be in relatively closeproximity with power systems and/or power carrying conductors. Forinstance, battery sensors which sense characteristics of batteries, forexample batteries within an electric vehicle, are often by virtue oftheir function placed in close proximity with a battery. A batterysensor that measures battery charge and communicates a signal associatedwith battery charge back to controller 104 is at risk of becomingunisolated from the battery. In some cases, an isolation monitoringsignal will indicate isolation of one or more components. In some cases,an isolation monitoring signal may be generated by an isolationmonitoring sensor. Isolation monitoring sensor may include any sensordescribed in this disclosure, such as without limitation a multi-meter,an impedance meter, and/or a continuity meter. In some cases, isolationfrom an electrical power (e.g., battery and/or power source 124) may berequired for housing of connector 108 and a ground. Isolation monitoringsignal may, in some cases, communication information about isolationbetween an electrical power and ground, for example along a flow paththat includes connector 108.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, system 100 mayadditionally include a coolant flow path 128 being located proximal orotherwise in thermal communication with one or more conductors 120, forexample direct current conductor 120 and/or alternating currentconductor 120. In some cases, heat generated within one or moreconductors 120 may be transferred into coolant within coolant flow path128. In some cases, coolant flow path 128 may be arranged substantiallycoaxial with one or more conductors 120, such that coolant flowssubstantially parallel with an axis of the one or more conductors 120.Alternatively or additionally, in some cases, coolant flow path 128 maybe arranged in cross flow with one or more conductors 120. In somecases, system 100 may include a heat exchanged configured to extractheat from one or more conductors 120, for example at a location of highcurrent and/or high impedance (e.g., resistance) within conductor. Insome cases, generated heat within a conductor 120 may be proportional tocurrent within conductor squared. Heating within a conductor 120 may beunderstood according to Joule heating, also referred to in thisdisclosure as resistive, resistance, or Ohmic heating. Joule-Lenz lawstates that power of heat generated by a conductor 120 is proportionalto a product of conductor 120 resistance and a square of current withinthe conductor 120, see below.

P∝I²R

where P is power of heat generated, for example in Watts, I is electriccurrent within conductor 120, for example in Amps, and R is resistanceof conductor 120, for example in Ohms. In some cases, coolant flow maybe configured to provide a cooling load that is sufficient to cool atleast a conductor 120 and one or more electric vehicle batteries duringcharging.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, one or more of at leasta direct current conductor 120 and at least an alternating currentconductor 120 may be further configured to conduct a communicationsignal and/or control signal by way of power line communication. In somecases, controller 104 may be configured within communication ofcommunication signal, for example by way of a power line communicationmodem. As used in this disclosure, “power line communication” is processof communicating at least a communication signal simultaneously withelectrical power transmission. In some cases, power line communicationmay operate by adding a modulated carrier signal (e.g., communicationsignal) to a power conductor 120. Different types of power-linecommunications use different frequency bands. In some case, alternatingcurrent may have a frequency of about 50 or about 60 Hz. In some cases,power conductor 120 may be shielded in order to prevent emissions ofpower line communication modulation frequencies. Alternatively oradditionally, power line communication modulation frequency may bewithin a range unregulated by radio regulators, for example below about500 KHz.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, housing of connector108 may be configured to mate with a test port 136. For example, testport may be identical to electric vehicle port. As used in thisdisclosure, a “test port” is port located outside of an electric vehiclethat mates with connector. In some cases, test port 136 may close acircuit with one or more conductors or flow paths within connector andthereby allow for said one more conductors or flow paths to be tested,for example for continuity, impedance, resistance, and the like. In somecases, test port 136 may be configured to test functionality of one ormore of the at least a direct current conductor, the at least analternating current conductor, the at least a control signal conductor,the at least a ground conductor, the at least a coolant flow path, andthe at least a proximity conductor. Test port 136 may facilitate one ormore signals, for example feedback signals, to be communicated withcontroller 104 as a function of connector 108 being attached with testport 136. In some cases, test port may allow for verification thatperformance of system 100 is within specified limits.

As used in this disclosure, “verification” is a process of ensuring thatwhich is being “verified” complies with certain constraints, for examplewithout limitation system requirements, regulations, and the like. Insome cases, verification may include comparing a product, such aswithout limitation charging or cooling performance metrics, against oneor more acceptance criteria. For example, in some cases, charging orcooling performance metrics, may be required to function according toprescribed constraints or specification. Ensuring that charging orcooling performance metrics are in compliance with acceptance criteriamay, in some cases, constitute verification. In some cases, verificationmay include ensuring that data (e.g., performance metric data) iscomplete, for example that all required data types, are present,readable, uncorrupted, and/or otherwise useful for controller 104. Insome cases, some or all verification processes may be performed bycontroller 104. In some cases, at least a machine-learning process, forexample a machine-learning model, may be used to verify. Controller 104may use any machine-learning process described in this disclosure forthis or any other function. In some embodiments, at least one ofvalidation and/or verification includes without limitation one or moreof supervisory validation, machine-learning processes, graph-basedvalidation, geometry-based validation, and rules-based validation.

Referring now to FIG. 2 , an exemplary electric vehicle port 200 isschematically illustrated. Electric vehicle port 200 is illustrated withan electric vehicle 204. Electric vehicle 204 may house electric vehicleport 200 and/or any associated components. Electric vehicle 204 mayinclude any electric vehicle as described in the entirety of thisdisclosure. For example and without limitation, electric vehicle 204 mayinclude an electric aircraft. In a non-limiting embodiment, electricvehicle port 200 may be configured to be located in any location,orientation and/or position on electric vehicle 204. In a non-limitingembodiment, electric vehicle port 200 may be electrically insulatedand/or fluidically sealed off from electric vehicle 204. As shown inFIG. 2 , exemplary electric vehicle port 200 is shown with a first powerconductor and a second power conductor. As used in this disclosure, a“power conductor” is a conductor configured to conduct an electricalcharging current, for example a direct current and/or an alternatingcurrent. In some cases, a conductor may include a cable and a contact. Acable may include any electrically conductive material including withoutlimitation copper and/or copper alloys. As used in this disclosure, a“contact” is an electrically conductive component that is configured tomake physical contact with a mating electrically conductive component,thereby facilitating electrical communication between the contact andthe mating component. In some cases, a contact may be configured toprovide electrical communication with a mating component within a port.In some cases, a contact may contain copper and/or copper-alloy. In somecases, contact may include a coating. A contact coating may includewithout limitation hard gold, hard gold flashed palladium-nickel (e.g.,80/20), tin, silver, diamond-like carbon, and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , a first conductor may include afirst cable 208 a and a first contact 212 a in electrical communicationwith the first cable. Likewise, a second conductor may include a secondcable 208 b and a second contact 212 b in electrical communication withthe second cable. In some cases, electric vehicle port 200 may alsoinclude a coolant flow path 216. In some cases, connector 200 mayinclude a plurality of coolant flow paths for example a coolant supplyand a coolant return. Alternatively, in some cases, electric vehicleport 200 may include one coolant flow path 216, for example withoutlimitation when coolant supplied is a gas or is not returned to coolantsource. In some cases, coolant flow path 216 may be located in thermalcommunication with a cable 208 a-b, thereby allowing coolant to cool thecable 208 a-b. In some cases, coolant flow path 216 may be locatedwithin thermal communication with a contact 212 a-b, thereby allowingcoolant to cool the contacts 212 a-b.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , in a non-limiting embodiment, coolant flowpath 216 may include a fitting within electric vehicle port 200. In somecases, fitting may include one or more seals. Seals may include any sealdescribed in this disclosure and may be configured to seal a jointbetween coolant flow path 216 and a mating component (e.g., fittingand/or additionally coolant flow path) within port, when connector isattached to the port. As used in this disclosure, a “seal” is acomponent that is substantially impermeable to a substance (e.g.,coolant, air, and/or water) and is designed and/or configured to preventflow of that substance at a certain location, e.g., joint. Seal may beconfigured to seal coolant. In some cases, seal may include at least oneof a gasket, an O-ring, a mechanical fit (e.g., press fit orinterference fit), and the like. In some cases, seal may include anelastomeric material, for example without limitation silicone, buna-N,fluoroelastomer, fluorosilicone, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene,polyurethane, rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and the like. Insome cases, seal may include a compliant element, such as withoutlimitation a spring or elastomeric material, to ensure positive contactof seal with a sealing face. In some cases, seal may include a pistonseal and/or a face seal. As used in this disclosure, a “joint” is atransition region between two components. For example in some cases, acoolant flow path may have a joint located between connector andelectric vehicle port.

With continued reference to FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, coolant flowpath 216 may include a valve. The valve may include any type of valve,for example a mechanical valve, an electrical valve, a check valve, orthe like. In some cases, the valve may include quick disconnect. In somecases, the valve may include a normally-closed vale, for example amushroom-poppet style valve, as shown in FIG. 2 . Additionalnon-limiting examples of normally-closed valves include solenoid valves,a spring-loaded valve, and the like. In some cases, a valve may includeone or more of a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a body valve, a bonnetvalve, a port valve, an actuator valve, a disc valve, a seat valve, astem valve, a gasket valve, a trim valve, or the like. In some cases,the valve may be configured to open when connector is attached to portand/or when coolant flow path 216, in particular, is mated with a matingcomponent within port. In some cases, the valve may be automaticallyopened/closed, for example by a controller 104. As described in moredetail below, in some exemplary embodiments, mating of certaincomponents within connector and port occur in prescribed sequence. Forexample, in some cases, coolant flow path 216 may first be mated andsealed to its mating component within a connector, before a valve isopened and/or one or more conductors 212 a-b are mated to theirrespective mating components within the connector. In some cases, thevalve may be configured not to open until after connection of one ormore conductors 212 a-b. In some embodiments, electric vehicle port 200may provide coolant by way of coolant flow path 216 to and/or fromconnector. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, electricvehicle port 200 may include a coolant flow path which is substantiallyclosed and configured to cool one or more conductors.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , an exemplary electric vehicle port 300 isshown. An electric vehicle may house electric vehicle port 300 and/orany associated components. The electric vehicle may include any electricvehicle as described in the entirety of this disclosure. For example andwithout limitation, the electric vehicle may include an electricaircraft. In a non-limiting embodiment, electric vehicle port 300 may beconfigured to be located in any location, orientation and/or position onthe electric vehicle. In some embodiments, electric vehicle port 300 mayinclude a coolant flow path 304. In some cases, coolant flow path 304may be substantially sealed within electric vehicle port 300. Forexample, in some cases, a coolant flow 304 path may not be mated to amating component, such as a fluidic fitting or flow path, when electricvehicle port 300 is attached to a connector. In some cases, a coolantflow path 304 within electric vehicle port 300 may include a coolantsupply 308, a coolant return 312, and/or a heat exchanger 316. In somecases, coolant supply 308 is configured to contain and direct a flow ofcoolant substantially toward and within electric vehicle port 300;coolant return is configured to contain and direct the flow of coolantsubstantially away from electric vehicle port 300; and heat exchanger316 is configured to transfer heat from at least a portion (or componentof electric vehicle port) into the flow of coolant. In some cases, heatexchanger 316 may be located proximal and/or within thermal conductivityof at least one conductor, cable, and/or contact, for example a powerconductor. As described above, electric vehicle port 300 may include oneor more temperature sensors configured to detect a temperature andtransmit a signal representative of that temperature, for example to acontroller 104. In some cases, at least a temperature sensor may belocated within thermal communication of one or more of a conductor, acable, and/or a contact and controller 104 may control one or moreaspects of a flow of coolant and/or electrical charging current as afunction of the detected temperature. In some cases, electric vehicleport 300 may include a plurality of coolant flow paths, for example afirst coolant flow path 304 that is substantially sealed and a secondcoolant flow path 316 that is configured to be in fluidic communicationwith a mating component when electric vehicle port 300 is attached to aconnector. In some cases, a first coolant flow path 304 may be inthermal communication, for example by way of a heat exchanger, with asecond coolant flow path 316, such that coolant of the second coolantflow path 316 may be cooled by coolant of the first coolant flow path304.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , battery module 400 with multiple battery units416 is illustrated, according to embodiments. Battery module 400 maycomprise a battery cell 404, cell retainer 408, cell guide 412,protective wrapping, back plate 420, end cap 424, and side panel 428.Battery module 400 may comprise a plurality of battery cells, anindividual of which is labeled 404. In embodiments, battery cells 404may be disposed and/or arranged within a respective battery unit 416 ingroupings of any number of columns and rows. For example, in theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 4 , battery cells 404 are arranged ineach respective battery unit 416 with 18 cells in two columns. It shouldbe noted that although the illustration may be interpreted as containingrows and columns, that the groupings of battery cells in a battery unit,that the rows are only present as a consequence of the repetitive natureof the pattern of staggered battery cells and battery cell holes in cellretainer being aligned in a series. While in the illustrative embodimentof FIG. 4 battery cells 404 are arranged 18 to battery unit 416 with aplurality of battery units 416 comprising battery module 400, one ofskill in the art will understand that battery cells 404 may be arrangedin any number to a row and in any number of columns and further, anynumber of battery units may be present in battery module 400. Accordingto embodiments, battery cells 404 within a first column may be disposedand/or arranged such that they are staggered relative to battery cells404 within a second column. In this way, any two adjacent rows ofbattery cells 404 may not be laterally adjacent but instead may berespectively offset a predetermined distance. In embodiments, any twoadjacent rows of battery cells 404 may be offset by a distance equal toa radius of a battery cell. This arrangement of battery cells 404 isonly a non-limiting example and in no way preclude other arrangement ofbattery cells.

In embodiments, battery cells 404 may be fixed in position by cellretainer 408. For the illustrative purposed within FIG. 4 , cellretainer 408 is depicted as the negative space between the circlesrepresenting battery cells 404. Cell retainer 408 comprises a sheetfurther comprising circular openings that correspond to thecross-sectional area of an individual battery cell 404. Cell retainer408 comprises an arrangement of openings that inform the arrangement ofbattery cells 404. In embodiments, cell retainer 408 may be configuredto non-permanently, mechanically couple to a first end of battery cell404.

According to embodiments, battery module 400 may further comprise aplurality of cell guides 412 corresponding to each battery unit 416.Cell guide 412 may comprise a solid extrusion with cutouts (e.g.scalloped) corresponding to the radius of the cylindrical battery cell404. Cell guide 412 may be positioned between the two columns of abattery unit 416 such that it forms a surface (e.g. side surface) of thebattery unit 416. In embodiments, the number of cell guides 412therefore match in quantity to the number of battery units 416. Cellguide 412 may comprise a material suitable for conducting heat.

Battery module 400 may also comprise a protective wrapping woven betweenthe plurality of battery cells 404. Protective wrapping may provide fireprotection, thermal containment, and thermal runaway during a batterycell malfunction or within normal operating limits of one or morebattery cells 404 and/or potentially, battery module 400 as a whole.Battery module 400 may also comprise a backplate 420. Backplate 420 isconfigured to provide structure and encapsulate at least a portion ofbattery cells 404, cell retainers 408, cell guides 412, and protectivewraps. End cap 424 may be configured to encapsulate at least a portionof battery cells 404, cell retainers 408, cell guides 412, and batteryunits 416, as will be discussed further below, end cap may comprise aprotruding boss that clicks into receivers in both ends of back plate420, as well as a similar boss on a second end that clicks into senseboard. Side panel 428 may provide another structural element with twoopposite and opposing faces and further configured to encapsulate atleast a portion of battery cells 404, cell retainers 408, cell guides412, and battery units 416.

Still referring to FIG. 4 , in embodiments, battery module 400 caninclude one or more battery cells 404. In another embodiment, batterymodule 400 comprises a plurality of individual battery cells 404.Battery cells 404 may each comprise a cell configured to include anelectrochemical reaction that produces electrical energy sufficient topower at least a portion of an electric aircraft and/or a cart 100.Battery cell 404 may include electrochemical cells, galvanic cells,electrolytic cells, fuel cells, flow cells, voltaic cells, or anycombination thereof—to name a few. In embodiments, battery cells 404 maybe electrically connected in series, in parallel, or a combination ofseries and parallel. Series connection, as used herein, comprises wiringa first terminal of a first cell to a second terminal of a second celland further configured to comprise a single conductive path forelectricity to flow while maintaining the same current (measured inAmperes) through any component in the circuit. Battery cells 404 may usethe term ‘wired’, but one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciatethat this term is synonymous with ‘electrically connected’, and thatthere are many ways to couple electrical elements like battery cells 404together. As an example, battery cells 404 can be coupled viaprefabricated terminals of a first gender that mate with a secondterminal with a second gender. Parallel connection, as used herein,comprises wiring a first and second terminal of a first battery cell toa first and second terminal of a second battery cell and furtherconfigured to comprise more than one conductive path for electricity toflow while maintaining the same voltage (measured in Volts) across anycomponent in the circuit. Battery cells 404 may be wired in aseries-parallel circuit which combines characteristics of theconstituent circuit types to this combination circuit. Battery cells 404may be electrically connected in any arrangement which may confer ontothe system the electrical advantages associated with that arrangementsuch as high-voltage applications, high-current applications, or thelike.

As used herein, an electrochemical cell is a device capable ofgenerating electrical energy from chemical reactions or using electricalenergy to cause chemical reactions. Further, voltaic or galvanic cellsare electrochemical cells that generate electric current from chemicalreactions, while electrolytic cells generate chemical reactions viaelectrolysis. As used herein, the term ‘battery’ is used as a collectionof cells connected in series or parallel to each other.

According to embodiments and as discussed above, any two rows of batterycells 404 and therefore cell retainer 408 openings are shifted onehalf-length so that no two battery cells 404 are directly next to thenext along the length of the battery module 400, this is the staggeredarrangement presented in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4 . Cellretainer 408 may employ this staggered arrangement to allow more cellsto be disposed closer together than in square columns and rows like in agrid pattern. The staggered arrangement may also be configured to allowbetter thermodynamic dissipation, the methods of which may be furtherdisclosed hereinbelow. Cell retainer 408 may comprise staggered openingsthat align with battery cells 404 and further configured to hold batterycells 404 in fixed positions. Cell retainer 408 may comprise aninjection molded component. Injection molded component may comprise acomponent manufactured by injecting a liquid into a mold and letting itsolidify, taking the shape of the mold in its hardened form. Cellretainer 408 may comprise liquid crystal polymer, polypropylene,polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, nylon,polystyrene, polyether ether ketone, to name a few. Cell retainer 408may comprise a second cell retainer fixed to the second end of batterycells 404 and configured to hold battery cells 404 in place from bothends. The second cell retainer may comprise similar or the exact samecharacteristics and functions of first cell retainer 408. Battery module400 may also comprise cell guide 412. Cell guide 412 includes materialdisposed in between two rows of battery cells 404. In embodiments, cellguide 412 can be configured to distribute heat that may be generated bybattery cells 404.

According to embodiments, battery module 400 may also comprise backplate 420. Back plate 420 is configured to provide a base structure forbattery module 400 and may encapsulate at least a portion thereof.Backplate 420 can have any shape and includes opposite, opposing sideswith a thickness between them. In embodiments, back plate 420 maycomprise an effectively flat, rectangular prism shaped sheet. Forexample, back plate 420 can comprise one side of a larger rectangularprism which characterizes the shape of battery module 400 as a whole.Back plate 420 also comprises openings correlating to each battery cell404 of the plurality of battery cells 404. Back plate 420 may comprise alamination of multiple layers. The layers that are laminated togethermay comprise FR-4, a glass-reinforced epoxy laminate material, and athermal barrier of a similar or exact same type as disclosedhereinabove. Back plate 420 may be configured to provide structuralsupport and containment of at least a portion of battery module 400 aswell as provide fire and thermal protection.

According to embodiments, battery module 400 may also comprise first endcap 424 configured to encapsulate at least a portion of battery module400. End cap 424 may provide structural support for battery module 400and hold back plate 420 in a fixed relative position compared to theoverall battery module 400. End cap 424 may comprise a protruding bosson a first end that mates up with and snaps into a receiving feature ona first end of back plate 420. End cap 424 may comprise a secondprotruding boss on a second end that mates up with and snaps into areceiving feature on sense board.

Battery module 400 may also comprise at least a side panel 428 that mayencapsulate two sides of battery module 400. Side panel 428 may compriseopposite and opposing faces comprising a metal or composite material. Inthe illustrative embodiment of FIG. 4 , a second side panel 428 ispresent but not illustrated so that the inside of battery module 400 maybe presented. Side panel(s) 428 may provide structural support forbattery module 400 and provide a barrier to separate battery module 400from exterior components within aircraft or environment.

Referring now to FIG. 5 , schematically illustrates an exemplaryaircraft battery 500, in an isometric view. In some cases, vehiclebattery 500 includes at least a cooling circuit 504. FIG. 5 illustratesvehicle battery 500 with one cooling circuit installed 504 a and onecooling circuit uninstalled 504 b. In some embodiments, battery 500 mayinclude two or more cooling circuits 504 a-b. Cooling circuits may beconfigured to allow coolant flow proximal battery module. In some cases,a thermal gradient between coolant and battery modules cools vehiclebattery 500. Vehicle battery may be any type of battery described inthis disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , schematically illustrates an exemplary coolingcircuit 600, in an isometric view. In some cases, vehicle battery 500may include a cooling circuit 600. Cooling circuit 600 may be configuredto accept coolant flow, for example from connector and/or hose, anddirect coolant proximal battery module and/or battery cells. In somecases, cooling circuit 600 may be configured to direct flow of coolantout of cooling circuit after it has passed through cooling circuit. Insome cases, cooling circuit 600 may be configured to return coolant, forexample to coolant source by way of one or more of connector and/orhose. Alternatively and/or additionally, cooling circuit 600 may director vent coolant out of cooling circuit substantially to atmosphere. Insome embodiments, cooling circuit 600 may comprise one or more coolantfittings 604 a-b. Coolant fittings 604 a-b may be configured to accept aflow of coolant, for example from a coolant supply. Alternatively oradditionally, coolant fittings 604 a-b may be configured to return aflow of coolant, for example by way of a coolant return.

Referring now to FIG. 7 , a perspective drawing of an embodiment of abattery pack with a plurality of battery modules disposed therein 700.The configuration of battery pack 700 is merely exemplary and should inno way be considered limiting. Battery pack 700 is configured tofacilitate the flow of the media through each battery module of theplurality of battery modules to cool the battery pack. Battery pack 700can include one or more battery modules 704A-N. Battery pack 700 isconfigured to house and/or encase one or more battery modules 704A-N.Each battery module of the plurality of battery modules 704A-N mayinclude any battery module as described in further detail in theentirety of this disclosure. As an exemplary embodiment, FIG. 7illustrates 7 battery modules 704A-N creating battery pack 700, however,a person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that any numberof battery modules 704A-N may be housed within battery pack 700. In anembodiment, each battery module of the plurality of battery modules704A-N can include one or more battery cells 707A-N. Each battery module704A-N is configured to house and/or encase one or more battery cells707A-N. Each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells 707A-N mayinclude any battery cell as described in further detail in the entiretyof this disclosure. Battery cells 707A-N may be configured to becontained within each battery module 704A-N, wherein each battery cell707A-N is disposed in any configuration without limitation. As anexemplary embodiment, FIG. 7 illustrates 240 battery cells 707A-N housedwithin each battery module 704A-N, however, a person of ordinary skillin the art would understand that any number of battery units 707A-N maybe housed within each battery module 704A-N of battery pack 700.Further, each battery module of the plurality of battery modules 704A-Nof battery pack 700 includes circuit 712. Circuit 712 may include anycircuit as described in further detail in the entirety of thisdisclosure. Each battery module of the plurality of battery modules704A-N further includes second circuit 716. Second circuit 716 mayinclude any circuit as described in further detail in the entirety ofthis disclosure. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entiretyof this disclosure, will be aware of various configurations of theplurality of battery modules that may be utilized for the battery packconsistently with this disclosure.

According to some embodiments, a battery unit may be configured tocouple to one or more other battery units, wherein the combination oftwo or more battery units forms at least a portion of vehicle batteryand/or charging battery. Battery unit may be configured to include aplurality of battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may includeany battery cell as described in the entirety of this disclosure. In theinstant embodiment, for example and without limitation, battery unitincludes a first row of battery cells, wherein first row of batterycells is in contact with the first side of the thermal conduit, asdescribed in further detail below. As a non-limiting example, row ofbattery cells is configured to contain ten columns of battery cells.Further, in the instant embodiment, for example and without limitation,battery unit includes a second row of battery cells, wherein second rowof battery cells is in contact with the second side of the thermalconduit, as described in further detail below. As a non-limitingexample, second row of battery cells is configured to contain tencolumns of battery cells. In some embodiments, battery unit may beconfigured to contain twenty battery cells in first row and second row.Battery cells of battery unit may be arranged in any configuration, suchthat battery unit may contain any number of rows of battery cells andany number of columns of battery cells. In embodiments, battery unit maycontain any offset of distance between first row of battery cells andsecond row of battery cells, wherein the battery cells of first row andthe battery cells of second row are not centered with each other. In theinstant embodiment, for example and without limitation, battery unitincludes first row and adjacent second row each containing ten batterycells, each battery cell of first row and each battery cell of secondrow are shifted a length measuring the radius of a battery cell, whereinthe center of each battery cell of first row and each battery cell ofsecond row are separated from the center of the battery cell in theadjacent column by a length equal to the radius of the battery cell. Asa further example and without limitation, each battery cell of first rowand each battery cell of second row are shifted a length measuring aquarter the diameter of each battery cell, wherein the center of eachbattery cell of first row and each battery cell of second row areseparated from the center of a battery cell in the adjacent column by alength equal to a quarter of the diameter of the battery cell. First rowof battery cells and second row of battery cells of the at least abattery unit may be configured to be fixed in a position by utilizing acell retainer, as described in the entirety of this disclosure. Eachbattery cell may be connected utilizing any means of connection asdescribed in the entirety of this disclosure. Persons skilled in theart, upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware ofelectrical connections that may be used as In some embodiments, batteryunit can include thermal conduit, wherein thermal conduit has a firstsurface and a second opposite and opposing surface. Thermal conduit mayinclude any thermal conduit as described above in further detail inreference to FIGS. 1-7 . In some cases, height of thermal conduit maynot exceed the height of battery cells, as described in the entirety ofthis disclosure. For example and without limitation, thermal conduit maybe at a height that is equal to the height of each battery cell of firstrow and second row. Thermal conduit may be composed of any suitablematerial, as described above in further detail in reference to FIGS. 1-7. Thermal conduit is configured to include an indent in the componentfor each battery cell coupled to the first surface and/or the secondsurface of thermal conduit. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewingthe entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of components that may beused as thermal conduits consistently with this disclosure.

Continuing with reference to some embodiments, thermal conduit mayinclude at least a passage, wherein the at least a passage comprises anopening starting at the first end of thermal conduit and terminating ata second, opposing end of thermal conduit. The “passage”, as describedherein, is a horizontal channel with openings on each end of the thermalconduit. The at least a passage may be configured to have a hollow shapecomprising one or more sides, at least two ends (e.g. a top and abottom), and a length, wherein the hollow shape comprises a void havinga shape the same as or different from the shape of the at least apassage and terminating at an opposite, opposing second end of theshape. For example and without limitation, in some embodiments, the atleast a passage comprises a rectangle shaped tubular shape. Inembodiments, the tubular component runs effectively perpendicular toeach battery cell. In embodiments, the at least a passage can bedisposed such that it forms a void originating at a first side of thebattery module and terminating at the second, opposite, and opposingside, of the battery module. According to embodiments, the at least apassage and/or thermal conduit may be composed utilizing any suitablematerial. For example and without limitation, thermal conduit and/or theat least a passage may be composed of polypropylene, polycarbonate,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, nylon, polystyrene,polyether ether ketone, and the like.

In some embodiments, the at least a passage may be disposed in thethermal conduit such that the at least a passage is configured to allowthe travel of a media from a first end of thermal conduit to the second,opposite, and opposite end of thermal conduit. For example, the at leasta passage can be disposed to allow the passage of the media through thehollow opening/void of the at least a passage. The media may include anymedia as described in the entirety of this disclosure. The hollowopening of thermal conduit and/or the at least a passage may beconfigured to be of any size and/or diameter. For example and withoutlimitation, the hollow opening of the at least a passage may beconfigured to have a diameter that is equal to or less than the radiusof each battery cell. The at least a passage and/or thermal conduit mayhave a length equal or less than the length of one row of battery cellssuch that thermal conduit and/or the at least a passage is configured tonot exceed the length of first row and/or second row of battery cells.The opening of the at least a passage can be configured to be disposedat each end of thermal conduit, wherein the at least a passage may be incontact with each battery cell in a respective battery unit located atthe end of each column and/or row of the battery unit. For example andwithout limitation, in some embodiments, a battery unit can contain tworows with ten columns of battery cells and the opening of the at least apassage on each end of thermal conduit that is in contact with arespective battery cell at the end of each of the two columns. Personsskilled in the art, upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, willbe aware of various components that may be used as at least a passageconsistently with this disclosure.

In some embodiments, circuit and/or thermal conduit may be configured tofacilitate the flow of the media through each battery module of theplurality of battery modules to cool the battery pack. The media mayinclude any media as described in further detail in the entirety of thisdisclosure. Circuit can include any circuit as described above infurther detail. In the embodiment, circuit may be configured to coupleto a first end of thermal conduit, wherein coupling is configured tofacilitate the flow of the media from the circuit to the first end ofthermal conduit through the at least a passage. Coupling may include anycoupling as described in further detail throughout the entirety of thisdisclosure. Circuit may include any component configured to facilitatethe flow of media to the battery pack by utilizing an electricalcurrent. For example and without limitation, circuit may include aprinted circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board mechanicallysupports the electrical connection facilitating the flow of media to thebattery pack. Circuit may be configured to include first end and asecond end, wherein the second end is opposite the first end of circuit1000. In some embodiments, first end of circuit is in a planeperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thermal conduit. First end ofcircuit is configured to include media feed component. The embodiment ofcircuit illustrates media feed component disposed only on first side ofcircuit, however this is non-limiting and circuit may include media feedcomponent disposed on the second end of circuit. The media feedcomponent of circuit may be configured to allow the media to feed intocircuit, the battery module and/or the battery pack, wherein the flow ofmedia may be initiated as a function of coupling media feed component ofcircuit to the media feeder of the thermal management apparatus. Mediafeed component can include any media feed component as described infurther detail above. In some embodiments, media feed component is athreaded hole, wherein the media feeder of the thermal managementapparatus is configured to couple to the threaded hole of media feedcomponent, however this is non-limiting and media feed component mayinclude, without limitation, a magnetic component, a latching mechanism,a pressure fit tubing mechanism, a nozzle mechanism, a hole, a flap, andthe like.

Continuing with reference to some embodiments, thermal conduit caninclude any thermal conduit as described in further detail above. Theheight of thermal conduit may not exceed the height of each battery cellof the plurality of battery cells, in some cases, as described in theentirety of this disclosure. Thermal conduit may be composed of anysuitable material, as described above in further detail above. Thermalconduit may be configured to include any curvature of the first sideand/or second side of thermal conduit. For example and withoutlimitation the curvature of the first side and/or second side of thermalconduit correlates at least a portion of a battery cell of the pluralityof battery cells. As a further example and without limitation, in anembodiment, thermal conduit may be configured to include ten curves ofthe first surface of thermal conduit, wherein each curve is configuredto contain the at least a portion of each battery cell of the pluralityof battery cells adjacent to the first surface of thermal conduit. As afurther example and without limitation, in some embodiments, thermalconduit may be configured to include ten curves on the second surface ofthermal conduit wherein each curve may be configured to contain the atleast a portion of each battery cell of the plurality of battery cellsadjacent to the second surface of thermal conduit. The embodiment ofthermal conduit illustrates ten curves on each surface of thermalconduit, however this is non-limiting and thermal conduit may includeany number of curves on each surface of thermal conduit, wherein eachcurve corresponds to the at least a portion of a battery cell of theplurality of battery cells.

In some embodiments, thermal conduit can include any thermal conduit asdescribed in further detail above. As described in further detail above,thermal conduit may be composed of any suitable material. Further,thermal conduit may be configured to include any curvature of the firstside and/or second side of the thermal conduit, as described in furtherdetail above. Thermal conduit may be configured to at least a passage.The at least a passage can include any at least a passage as describedin further detail above. The at least a passage is configured to have ahollow shape comprising one or more sides, at least two ends (e.g. a topand a bottom), and a length, wherein the hollow shape comprises a voidhaving a shape the same as or different from the shape of the at least apassage and terminating at an opposite, opposing second end of theshape, as described above in further detail above. For example andwithout limitation, in the illustrative embodiment, the at least apassage comprise a rectangle shaped tubular shape. In embodiments, thetubular component runs effectively perpendicular to each battery celland/or curvature of thermal conduit configured to house each batterycell. In embodiments, the at least a passage can be disposed such thatit forms a void originating at a first side of the battery module andterminating at the second, opposite, and opposing side, of the batterymodule, as described in further detail in the entirety of thisdisclosure. According to embodiments, the at least a passage and/orthermal conduit may be composed utilizing any suitable material, asdescribed in further detail above. In embodiments, the at least apassage may be disposed in the thermal conduit such that the at least apassage may be configured to allow the travel of a media from a firstend of thermal conduit to the second, opposite, and opposite end ofthermal conduit, as described in further detail in the entirety of thisdisclosure.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of anexemplary battery pack 800 for preventing progression of thermal runawaybetween modules. Battery pack 800 may include a pouch cell 804A-B. Asused in this disclosure, “pouch cell” is a battery cell or module thatincludes a pouch. In some cases, a pouch cell may include or be referredto as a prismatic pouch cell, for example when an overall shape of pouchis prismatic. In some cases, a pouch cell may include a pouch which issubstantially flexible. Alternatively or additionally, in some cases,pouch may be substantially rigid. Pouch cell 804A-B may include at leasta pair of electrodes 808A-B. At least a pair of electrodes 808A-B mayinclude a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Each electrode ofat least a pair of electrodes 808A-B may include an electricallyconductive element. Non-limiting exemplary electrically conductiveelements include braided wire, solid wire, metallic foil, circuitry,such as printed circuit boards, and the like. At least a pair ofelectrodes 808A-B may be in electric communication with and/orelectrically connected to at least a pair of foil tabs 812A-B. At leasta pair of electrodes 808A-B may be bonded in electric communication withand/or electrically connected to at least a pair of foil tabs 812A-B byany known method, including without limitation welding, brazing,soldering, adhering, engineering fits, electrical connectors, and thelike. In some cases, at least a pair of foil tabs may include a cathodeand an anode. In some cases, an exemplary cathode may include alithium-based substance, such as lithium-metal oxide, bonded to analuminum foil tab. In some cases, an exemplary anode may include acarbon-based substance, such as graphite, bonded to a copper tab. Apouch cell 804A-B may include an insulator layer 816A-B. As used in thisdisclosure, an “insulator layer” is an electrically insulating materialthat is substantially permeable to battery ions, such as withoutlimitation lithium ions. In some cases, insulator layer may be referredto as a separator layer or simply separator. In some cases, insulatorlayer 816A-B is configured to prevent electrical communication directlybetween at least a pair of foil tabs 812A-B (e.g., cathode and anode).In some cases, insulator layer 816A-B may be configured to allow for aflow ions across it. Insulator layer 816A-B may consist of a polymer,such as without limitation polyolifine (PO). Insulator layer 816A-B maycomprise pours which are configured to allow for passage of ions, forexample lithium ions. In some cases, pours of a PO insulator layer816A-B may have a width no greater than 100 μm, 10 μm, 1 μm, or 0.1 μm.In some cases, a PO insulator layer 816A-B may have a thickness within arange of 1-100 μm, or 10-50 μm.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , pouch cell 804A-B may include apouch 820A-B. Pouch 820A-B may be configured to substantially encompassat least a pair of foil tabs 812A-B and at least a portion of insulatorlayer 816A-B. In some cases, pouch 820A-B may include a polymer, such aswithout limitation polyethylene, acrylic, polyester, and the like. Insome case, pouch 820A-B may be coated with one or more coatings. Forexample, in some cases, pouch may have an outer surface coated with ametalizing coating, such as an aluminum or nickel containing coating. Insome cases, pouch coating be configured to electrically ground and/orisolate pouch, increase pouches impermeability, increase pouchesresistance to high temperatures, increases pouches thermal resistance(insulation), and the like. An electrolyte 824A-B is located withinpouch. In some cases, electrolyte 824A-B may comprise a liquid, a solid,a gel, a paste, and/or a polymer. Electrolyte may wet or contact one orboth of at least a pair of foil tabs 812A-B.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , battery pack 800 may additionallyinclude an ejecta barrier 828. Ejecta barrier may be locatedsubstantially between a first pouch cell 804A and a second pouch cell804B. As used in this disclosure, an “ejecta barrier” is any material orstructure that is configured to substantially block, contain, orotherwise prevent passage of ejecta. As used in this disclosure,“ejecta” is any material that has been ejected, for example from abattery cell. In some cases, ejecta may be ejected during thermalrunaway of a battery cell. Alternatively or additionally, in some cases,eject may be ejected without thermal runaway of a battery cell. In somecases, ejecta may include lithium-based compounds. Alternatively oradditionally, ejecta may include carbon-based compounds, such as withoutlimitation carbonate esters. Ejecta may include matter in any phase orform, including solid, liquid, gas, vapor, and the like. In some cases,ejecta may undergo a phase change, for example ejecta may be vaporous asit is initially being ejected and then cool and condense into a solid orliquid after ejection. In some cases, ejecta barrier may be configuredto prevent materials ejected from a first pouch cell 804A from cominginto contact with a second pouch cell 804B. For example, in someinstances ejecta barrier 828 is substantially impermeable to ejecta frombattery pouch cell 804A-B. In some embodiments, ejecta barrier 828 mayinclude titanium. In some embodiments, ejecta barrier 828 may includecarbon fiber. In some cases, ejecta barrier 828 may include at least aone of a lithiophilic or a lithiophobic material or layer, configured toabsorb and/or repel lithium-based compounds. In some cases, ejectabarrier 828 may comprise a lithiophilic metal coating, such as silver orgold. In some cases, ejecta barrier 828 may be flexible and/or rigid. Insome cases, ejecta barrier 828 may include a sheet, a film, a foil, orthe like. For example in some cases, ejecta barrier may be between 25and 5,000 micrometers thick. In some cases, an ejecta barrier may have anominal thickness of about 2 mm. Alternatively or additionally, in somecases, an ejecta barrier may include rigid and/or structural elements,for instance which are solid. Rigid ejecta barriers 828 may includemetals, composites and the like. In some cases, ejecta barrier 828 maybe further configured to structurally support at least a pouch cell 828.For example in some cases, at least a pouch cell 828 may be mounted to arigid ejecta barrier 828.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , battery pack 800 may additionallyinclude at least a vent 832A-B. In some cases, at least a vent 832A maybe configured to vent ejecta from first pouch cell 804A. In some cases,at least a vent 804A may be configured to vent ejecta along a flow path836A. A flow path 836A may substantially exclude second pouch cell 804B,for example fluids such as gases liquids, or any material that acts as agas or liquid, flowing along the flow path 836A may be cordoned awayfrom contact with second pouch cell 804B. For example flow path 836A maybe configured to not intersect with any surface of second pouch cell804B. Flow path 836A-B may include any channel, tube, hose, conduit, orthe like suitable for facilitating fluidic communication, for examplewith a pouch cell 804A-B. In some cases, flow path 836A-B may include acheck valve. As used in this disclosure, a “check valve” is a valve thatpermits flow of a fluid only in certain, for example one, direction. Insome cases check valve may be configured to allow flow of fluidssubstantially only away from battery pouch cell 804A-B, while preventingback flow of vented fluid to the battery pouch cell 804A-B. In somecases, check valve may include a duckbill check valve. In some cases, aduckbill check valve may have lips which are substantially in a shape ofa duckbill. Lips may be configured to open to allow forward flow (out ofthe lips), while remaining normally closed to prevent backflow (into thelips). In some cases, duckbill lips may be configured to automaticallyclose (remain normally closed), for example with use of a compliantelement, such as without limitation an elastomeric material, a spring,and the like. In some embodiments vent may include a mushroom poppetvalve. In some cases, a mushroom poppet valve may include a a mushroomshaped poppet. Mushroom shaped poppet may seal against a sealingelement, for example a ring about an underside of a cap of the mushroomshaped poppet. In some cases, mushroom poppet valve may be loadedagainst sealing element, for example by way of a compliant element, suchas a spring. According to some embodiments, vent 832A-B may have avacuum applied to aid in venting of ejecta. Vacuum pressure differentialmay range from 0.1″Hg to 36″Hg.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , battery pack 800 may include afirst battery pouch cell 804A and a second battery pouch cell 804B.First pouch cell 804A may include at least a first pair of electrodes808A, at least a first pair of foil tabs 812A in electricalcommunication with the first electrodes 808A, at least a first insulatorlayer 816A located substantially between the at least a first pair offoil tabs 812A, a first pouch 820A substantially encompassing the atleast a first pair of foil tabs 812A and at least a portion of the atleast a first separator layer 816A, and a first electrolyte 824A withinthe first pouch 820A. Second pouch cell 804B may include at least asecond pair of electrodes 808B, at least a second pair of foil tabs 812Bin electrical communication with the first electrodes 808B, at least asecond insulator 816B located substantially between the at least a firstpair of foil tabs 812B, a second pouch 820B substantially encompassingthe at least a second pair of foil tabs 812B and at least a portion ofthe at least a second insulator 816B, and a second electrolyte 824Bwithin the second pouch 820B. Battery pack 800 may include an ejectabarrier 828 located substantially between first pouch cell 804A andsecond pouch cell 804B. Ejecta barrier 828 may be substantiallyimpermeable to ejecta, for example ejecta from first pouch cell 804A. Insome cases, battery pack 800 may include a vent configured to ventejecta, for example from first pouch cell 804A. In some embodiments,ejecta barrier 828 may substantially encapsulates at least a portion ofpouch cell 804A-B. For example, ejecta barrier 828 may substantiallyencapsulate first pouch cell 804A. In some cases, vent may be configuredto provide fluidic communication through at least one of ejecta barrier828 and pouch 820A-B. In some cases, vent may include a seam. Seam maybe a seam of pouch 820A-B. Alternatively or additionally; seam may be aseam of ejecta barrier 828.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments battery pack800 may additionally include a third pouch cell. Third pouch cell mayinclude at least a third pair of electrodes, at least a third pair offoil tabs welded to the third electrodes, at least a third insulatorlayer located substantially between the at least a third pair of foiltabs, a third pouch substantially encompassing the at least a third pairof foil tabs and the at least a third separator layer, and a thirdelectrolyte within the third pouch. Battery pack may include a pluralityincluding any number of pouch cells. In some cases, each pouch cell ofplurality of pouch cells is separated from adjacent pouch cells with atleast an ejecta barrier 828. Any pouch cell of plurality of pouch cellsin battery pack may include any component described in this disclosure,for example without limitation vents, valves, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, pouch cells 804A-B mayinclude Li ion batteries which may include NCA, NMC, Lithium ironphosphate (LiFePO4) and Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries, whichmay be mixed with another cathode chemistry to provide more specificpower if the application requires Li metal batteries, which have alithium metal anode that provides high power on demand, Li ion batteriesthat have a silicon, tin nanocrystals, graphite, graphene or titanateanode, or the like. Batteries and/or battery modules may include withoutlimitation batteries using nickel-based chemistries such as nickelcadmium or nickel metal hydride, batteries using lithium-ion batterychemistries such as a nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), nickel manganesecobalt (NMC), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium cobalt oxide(LCO), and/or lithium manganese oxide (LMO), batteries using lithiumpolymer technology, metal-air batteries. Pouch cells 804A-B may includelead-based batteries such as without limitation lead acid batteries andlead carbon batteries. Pouch cells 804A-B may include lithium sulfurbatteries, magnesium ion batteries, and/or sodium ion batteries.Batteries may include solid state batteries or supercapacitors oranother suitable energy source. Batteries may be primary or secondary ora combination of both. Additional disclosure related to batteries andbattery modules may be found in co-owned U.S. patent applicationsentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH ENERGY DENSITY BATTERY MODULE” and“SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESTRICTING POWER TO A LOAD TO PREVENT ENGAGINGCIRCUIT PROTECTION DEVICE FOR AN AIRCRAFT,” having U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 16/948,140 and 16/590,496 respectively; theentirety of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entirety of thisdisclosure, will be aware of various devices of components that may beused as a battery module. In some cases, battery pack 800 is constructedin a manner that vents ejecta, while preventing ejecta from one pouchcell from interacting with another pouch cell.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , battery pack 800 may include atleast a sensor 840. At least a sensor 840 may include a sensor suite,for example as described above. In some cases, at least a sensor 840 maybe configured to sense battery pack data and transmit battery pack datato a data storage system, for example as described above.

Referring now to FIG. 9 , at least a portion of an exemplary batterypack 900 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9 , battery pack 900 mayinclude a pouch cell 904. Pouch cell 904 may include at least a pair ofelectrodes 908, at least a pair of foil tabs 912 in electricalcommunication with the electrodes 908, at least an insulator layer 916located substantially between the at least a pair of foil tabs 912, apouch 820 substantially encompassing the at least a pair of foil tabs912 and at least a portion of the at least a separator layer 916, and afirst electrolyte 924 within the pouch 920. Battery pack 900 may includean ejecta barrier 928. Ejecta barrier 928 may configured to preventejecta from one pouch cell 904 from reaching another pouch cell. In somecases, ejecta may include hot matter, which if left uncontained couldtransfer heat to other, e.g., neighboring, pouch cells. By preventinghot ejecta from reaching pouch cells ejecta barrier 928 may aid inpreventing progression of thermal runaway between battery cells withinbattery pack 900. In some cases, ejecta may include combustiblematerials, which if left uncontained could settle upon other, e.g.,neighboring, pouch cells. Combustible materials once combustionconditions are met may combust generating an exothermic reaction, whichcan induce thermal runaway on nearby battery cells. Combustionconditions can include presence of oxygen, fuel, spark, flash point,fire point, and/or autoignition temperature. Battery pack 900 mayinclude a vent 932. Vent 932 may provide for ejecta flow along a flowpath 936. Vent may include a check valve 940. Check valve 940 may beconfigured to allow for a flow fluids in substantially one direction,for example away from pouch cell 904. In some cases, vent 932 may beconfigured to allow for a venting of ejecta from pouch cell 904 withoutsubstantially any flow of ejecta toward the pouch cell 904, for examplefrom other battery cells. According to some embodiments, battery pack900 may be incorporated in an aircraft, for example a vertical take-offand landing aircraft.

Referring now to FIG. 10 , an embodiment of sensor suite 1000 ispresented. The herein disclosed system and method may comprise aplurality of sensors in the form of individual sensors or a sensor suiteworking in tandem or individually. In some cases, sensor suite 1000 maycommunicate by way of at least a conductor, such as within limitation acontrol signal conductor. Alternatively and/or additionally, in somecases, sensor suite 1000 may be communicative by at least a network, forexample any network described in this disclosure including wireless(Wi-Fi), controller area network (CAN), the Internet, and the like. Asensor suite may include a plurality of independent sensors, asdescribed herein, where any number of the described sensors may be usedto detect any number of physical or electrical quantities associatedwith a vehicle battery or an electrical energy storage system, such aswithout limitation charging battery. Independent sensors may includeseparate sensors measuring physical or electrical quantities that may bepowered by and/or in communication with circuits independently, whereeach may signal sensor output to a control circuit such as a usergraphical interface. In a non-limiting example, there may be fourindependent sensors housed in and/or on battery pack measuringtemperature, electrical characteristic such as voltage, amperage,resistance, or impedance, or any other parameters and/or quantities asdescribed in this disclosure. In an embodiment, use of a plurality ofindependent sensors may result in redundancy configured to employ morethan one sensor that measures the same phenomenon, those sensors beingof the same type, a combination of, or another type of sensor notdisclosed, so that in the event one sensor fails, the ability ofcontroller 104 and/or user to detect phenomenon is maintained.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , sensor suite 1000 may include ahumidity sensor 1004. Humidity, as used in this disclosure, is theproperty of a gaseous medium (almost always air) to hold water in theform of vapor. An amount of water vapor contained within a parcel of aircan vary significantly. Water vapor is generally invisible to the humaneye and may be damaging to electrical components. There are threeprimary measurements of humidity, absolute, relative, specific humidity.“Absolute humidity,” for the purposes of this disclosure, describes thewater content of air and is expressed in either grams per cubic metersor grams per kilogram. “Relative humidity”, for the purposes of thisdisclosure, is expressed as a percentage, indicating a present stat ofabsolute humidity relative to a maximum humidity given the sametemperature. “Specific humidity”, for the purposes of this disclosure,is the ratio of water vapor mass to total moist air parcel mass, whereparcel is a given portion of a gaseous medium. Humidity sensor 1004 maybe psychrometer. Humidity sensor 1004 may be a hygrometer. Humiditysensor 1004 may be configured to act as or include a humidistat. A“humidistat”, for the purposes of this disclosure, is ahumidity-triggered switch, often used to control another electronicdevice. Humidity sensor 1004 may use capacitance to measure relativehumidity and include in itself, or as an external component, include adevice to convert relative humidity measurements to absolute humiditymeasurements. “Capacitance”, for the purposes of this disclosure, is theability of a system to store an electric charge, in this case the systemis a parcel of air which may be near, adjacent to, or above a batterycell.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , sensor suite 1000 may includemultimeter 1008. Multimeter 1008 may be configured to measure voltageacross a component, electrical current through a component, andresistance of a component. Multimeter 1008 may include separate sensorsto measure each of the previously disclosed electrical characteristicssuch as voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, respectively.

Alternatively or additionally, and with continued reference to FIG. 10 ,sensor suite 1000 may include a sensor or plurality thereof that maydetect voltage and direct charging of individual battery cells accordingto charge level; detection may be performed using any suitablecomponent, set of components, and/or mechanism for direct or indirectmeasurement and/or detection of voltage levels, including withoutlimitation comparators, analog to digital converters, any form ofvoltmeter, or the like. Sensor suite 1000 and/or a control circuitincorporated therein and/or communicatively connected thereto may beconfigured to adjust charge to one or more battery cells as a functionof a charge level and/or a detected parameter. For instance, and withoutlimitation, sensor suite 1000 may be configured to determine that acharge level of a battery cell is high based on a detected voltage levelof that battery cell or portion of the battery pack. Sensor suite 1000may alternatively or additionally detect a charge reduction event,defined for purposes of this disclosure as any temporary or permanentstate of a battery cell requiring reduction or cessation of charging; acharge reduction event may include a cell being fully charged and/or acell undergoing a physical and/or electrical process that makescontinued charging at a current voltage and/or current level inadvisabledue to a risk that the cell will be damaged, will overheat, or the like.Detection of a charge reduction event may include detection of atemperature, of the cell above a threshold level, detection of a voltageand/or resistance level above or below a threshold, or the like. Sensorsuite 1000 may include digital sensors, analog sensors, or a combinationthereof. Sensor suite 1000 may include digital-to-analog converters(DAC), analog-to-digital converters (ADC, A/D, A-to-D), a combinationthereof, or other signal conditioning components used in transmission ofa battery sensor signal to a destination over wireless or wiredconnection.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , sensor suite 1000 may includethermocouples, thermistors, thermometers, passive infrared sensors,resistance temperature sensors (RTD's), semiconductor based integratedcircuits (IC), a combination thereof or another undisclosed sensor type,alone or in combination. Temperature, for the purposes of thisdisclosure, and as would be appreciated by someone of ordinary skill inthe art, is a measure of the heat energy of a system. Temperature, asmeasured by any number or combinations of sensors present within sensorsuite 1000, may be measured in Fahrenheit (° F.), Celsius (° C.), Kelvin(° K), or another scale alone or in combination. The temperaturemeasured by sensors may comprise electrical signals which aretransmitted to their appropriate destination wireless or through a wiredconnection.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , sensor suite 1000 may include asensor configured to detect gas that may be emitted during or after acatastrophic cell failure. “Catastrophic cell failure”, for the purposesof this disclosure, refers to a malfunction of a battery cell, which maybe an electrochemical cell, that renders the cell inoperable for itsdesigned function, namely providing electrical energy to at least aportion of an electric aircraft. Byproducts of catastrophic cell failure1012 may include gaseous discharge including oxygen, hydrogen, carbondioxide, methane, carbon monoxide, a combination thereof, or anotherundisclosed gas, alone or in combination. Further the sensor configuredto detect vent gas from electrochemical cells may comprise a gasdetector. For the purposes of this disclosure, a “gas detector” is adevice used to detect a gas is present in an area. Gas detectors, andmore specifically, the gas sensor that may be used in sensor suite 1000,may be configured to detect combustible, flammable, toxic, oxygendepleted, a combination thereof, or another type of gas alone or incombination. The gas sensor that may be present in sensor suite 1000 mayinclude a combustible gas, photoionization detectors, electrochemicalgas sensors, ultrasonic sensors, metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS)sensors, infrared imaging sensors, a combination thereof, or anotherundisclosed type of gas sensor alone or in combination. Sensor suite1000 may include sensors that are configured to detect non-gaseousbyproducts of catastrophic cell failure 1012 including, in non-limitingexamples, liquid chemical leaks including aqueous alkaline solution,ionomer, molten phosphoric acid, liquid electrolytes with redox shuttleand ionomer, and salt water, among others. Sensor suite 1000 may includesensors that are configured to detect non-gaseous byproducts ofcatastrophic cell failure 1012 including, in non-limiting examples,electrical anomalies as detected by any of the previous disclosedsensors or components.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , sensor suite 1000 may beconfigured to detect events where voltage nears an upper voltagethreshold or lower voltage threshold. The upper voltage threshold may bestored in data storage system for comparison with an instant measurementtaken by any combination of sensors present within sensor suite 1000.The upper voltage threshold may be calculated and calibrated based onfactors relating to battery cell health, maintenance history, locationwithin battery pack, designed application, and type, among others.Sensor suite 1000 may measure voltage at an instant, over a period oftime, or periodically. Sensor suite 1000 may be configured to operate atany of these detection modes, switch between modes, or simultaneousmeasure in more than one mode. Controller 104 may detect through sensorsuite 1000 events where voltage nears the lower voltage threshold. Thelower voltage threshold may indicate power loss to or from an individualbattery cell or portion of the battery pack. Controller 104 may detectthrough sensor suite 1000 events where voltage exceeds the upper andlower voltage threshold. Events where voltage exceeds the upper andlower voltage threshold may indicate battery cell failure or electricalanomalies that could lead to potentially dangerous situations foraircraft and personnel that may be present in or near its operation.

With continued reference to FIG. 10 , in some cases, sensor suite 1000may include a swell sensor configured to sense swell, pressure, orstrain of at least a battery cell. In some cases, battery cell swell,pressure, and/or strain may be indicative of an amount of gases and/orgas expansion within a battery cell. Battery swell sensor may includeone or more of a pressure sensor, a load cell, and a strain gauge. Insome cases, battery swell sensor may output a battery swell signal thatis analog and requires signal processing techniques. For example, insome cases, wherein battery swell sensor includes at least a straingauge, battery swell signal may be processed and digitized by one ormore of a Wheatstone bridge, an amplifier, a filter, and an analog todigital converter. In some cases, battery sensor signal may includebattery swell signal.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a graph 1100 is depicted that illustratedexemplary vehicle battery temperature during exemplary rechargingprocesses. Graph 1100 illustrates battery temperature along a verticalaxis 1104, in degrees Celsius. Graph 1100 illustrates time along ahorizontal axis 1108, in minutes. Graph 1100 illustrates batterytemperature during recharge for a vehicle battery in four differenttests. During all four rechargings ambient air temperature wasapproximately 20° C. and recharging was performed for about 1 hour (fromtime equals approximately 110 min to time equals approximately 180 min).Prior to recharging in each case, vehicle battery was used to take-off,fly approximately 200 nm, land, and cool (from time equals zero to timeequals approximately 110 min). Recharge during each case was broughtvehicle battery from approximately a 25% state of charge toapproximately a 98% state of charge. A first and second baselinerecharge 1112 a-b are illustrated on graph in by way of solid lines. Itcan be seen from graph 1100, that first baseline 1112 a and secondbaseline 1112 b overlap very closely with one another. Both first andsecond baseline 1112 a-b were performed without cooling. Graph 1100illustrates two recharging conditions that included active cooling 1116a-b by way of dashed lines. During active cooling, for the testsdepicted in graph 1100, coolant was air having a temperatureapproximately equal to that of ambient. First active cooling 1116 a,indicated on graph 1100 by way of smaller dashed line, was performedwith coolant flow of approximately 1 standard cubic foot per minute(SCFM). Second active cooling 1116 b, indicated on graph 1100 by way oflarger dashed line, was performed with coolant flow of approximately 0.5standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM).

Referring now to FIG. 12 , an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft 1200is illustrated. Aircraft 1200 may include an electrically poweredaircraft (i.e., electric aircraft). In some embodiments, electricallypowered aircraft may be an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL)aircraft. Electric aircraft may be capable of rotor-based cruisingflight, rotor-based takeoff, rotor-based landing, fixed-wing cruisingflight, airplane-style takeoff, airplane-style landing, and/or anycombination thereof. “Rotor-based flight,” as described in thisdisclosure, is where the aircraft generated lift and propulsion by wayof one or more powered rotors coupled with an engine, such as aquadcopter, multi-rotor helicopter, or other vehicle that maintains itslift primarily using downward thrusting propulsors. “Fixed-wing flight,”as described in this disclosure, is where the aircraft is capable offlight using wings and/or foils that generate lift caused by theaircraft's forward airspeed and the shape of the wings and/or foils,such as airplane-style flight.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , aircraft 1200 may include a fuselage 1204.As used in this disclosure a “fuselage” is the main body of an aircraft,or in other words, the entirety of the aircraft except for the cockpit,nose, wings, empennage, nacelles, any and all control surfaces, andgenerally contains an aircraft's payload. Fuselage 1204 may comprisestructural elements that physically support the shape and structure ofan aircraft. Structural elements may take a plurality of forms, alone orin combination with other types. Structural elements may vary dependingon the construction type of aircraft and specifically, the fuselage.Fuselage 1204 may comprise a truss structure. A truss structure may beused with a lightweight aircraft and may include welded aluminum tubetrusses. A truss, as used herein, is an assembly of beams that create arigid structure, often in combinations of triangles to createthree-dimensional shapes. A truss structure may alternatively comprisetitanium construction in place of aluminum tubes, or a combinationthereof. In some embodiments, structural elements may comprise aluminumtubes and/or titanium beams. In an embodiment, and without limitation,structural elements may include an aircraft skin. Aircraft skin may belayered over the body shape constructed by trusses. Aircraft skin maycomprise a plurality of materials such as aluminum, fiberglass, and/orcarbon fiber, the latter of which will be addressed in greater detaillater in this paper.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , aircraft 1200 may include a plurality ofactuators 1208. Actuator 1208 may include any motor and/or propulsordescribed in this disclosure, for instance in reference to FIGS. 1-11 .In an embodiment, actuator 1208 may be mechanically coupled to anaircraft. As used herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand “mechanically coupled” to mean that at least a portion of adevice, component, or circuit is connected to at least a portion of theaircraft via a mechanical coupling. Said mechanical coupling caninclude, for example, rigid coupling, such as beam coupling, bellowscoupling, bushed pin coupling, constant velocity, split-muff coupling,diaphragm coupling, disc coupling, donut coupling, elastic coupling,flexible coupling, fluid coupling, gear coupling, grid coupling, Hirthjoints, hydrodynamic coupling, jaw coupling, magnetic coupling, Oldhamcoupling, sleeve coupling, tapered shaft lock, twin spring coupling, ragjoint coupling, universal joints, or any combination thereof. As used inthis disclosure an “aircraft” is vehicle that may fly. As a non-limitingexample, aircraft may include airplanes, helicopters, airships, blimps,gliders, paramotors, and the like thereof. In an embodiment, mechanicalcoupling may be used to connect the ends of adjacent parts and/orobjects of an electric aircraft. Further, in an embodiment, mechanicalcoupling may be used to join two pieces of rotating electric aircraftcomponents.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , a plurality of actuators 1208 maybe configured to produce a torque. As used in this disclosure a “torque”is a measure of force that causes an object to rotate about an axis in adirection. For example, and without limitation, torque may rotate anaileron and/or rudder to generate a force that may adjust and/or affectaltitude, airspeed velocity, groundspeed velocity, direction duringflight, and/or thrust. For example, plurality of actuators 1208 mayinclude a component used to produce a torque that affects aircrafts'roll and pitch, such as without limitation one or more ailerons. An“aileron,” as used in this disclosure, is a hinged surface which formpart of the trailing edge of a wing in a fixed wing aircraft, and whichmay be moved via mechanical means such as without limitationservomotors, mechanical linkages, or the like. As a further example,plurality of actuators 1208 may include a rudder, which may include,without limitation, a segmented rudder that produces a torque about avertical axis. Additionally or alternatively, plurality of actuators1208 may include other flight control surfaces such as propulsors,rotating flight controls, or any other structural features which canadjust movement of aircraft 1200. Plurality of actuators 1208 mayinclude one or more rotors, turbines, ducted fans, paddle wheels, and/orother components configured to propel a vehicle through a fluid mediumincluding, but not limited to air.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , plurality of actuators 1208 may include atleast a propulsor component. As used in this disclosure a “propulsorcomponent” or “propulsor” is a component and/or device used to propel acraft by exerting force on a fluid medium, which may include a gaseousmedium such as air or a liquid medium such as water. In an embodiment,when a propulsor twists and pulls air behind it, it may, at the sametime, push an aircraft forward with an amount of force and/or thrust.More air pulled behind an aircraft results in greater thrust with whichthe aircraft is pushed forward. Propulsor component may include anydevice or component that consumes electrical power on demand to propelan electric aircraft in a direction or other vehicle while on ground orin-flight. In an embodiment, propulsor component may include a pullercomponent. As used in this disclosure a “puller component” is acomponent that pulls and/or tows an aircraft through a medium. As anon-limiting example, puller component may include a flight componentsuch as a puller propeller, a puller motor, a puller propulsor, and thelike. Additionally, or alternatively, puller component may include aplurality of puller flight components. In another embodiment, propulsorcomponent may include a pusher component. As used in this disclosure a“pusher component” is a component that pushes and/or thrusts an aircraftthrough a medium. As a non-limiting example, pusher component mayinclude a pusher component such as a pusher propeller, a pusher motor, apusher propulsor, and the like. Additionally, or alternatively, pusherflight component may include a plurality of pusher flight components.

In another embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 12 , propulsor mayinclude a propeller, a blade, or any combination of the two. A propellermay function to convert rotary motion from an engine or other powersource into a swirling slipstream which may push the propeller forwardsor backwards. Propulsor may include a rotating power-driven hub, towhich several radial airfoil-section blades may be attached, such thatan entire whole assembly rotates about a longitudinal axis. As anon-limiting example, blade pitch of propellers may be fixed at a fixedangle, manually variable to a few set positions, automatically variable(e.g. a “constant-speed” type), and/or any combination thereof asdescribed further in this disclosure. As used in this disclosure a“fixed angle” is an angle that is secured and/or substantially unmovablefrom an attachment point. For example, and without limitation, a fixedangle may be an angle of 2.2° inward and/or 1.7° forward. As a furthernon-limiting example, a fixed angle may be an angle of 3.6° outwardand/or 2.7° backward. In an embodiment, propellers for an aircraft maybe designed to be fixed to their hub at an angle similar to the threadon a screw makes an angle to the shaft; this angle may be referred to asa pitch or pitch angle which may determine a speed of forward movementas the blade rotates. Additionally or alternatively, propulsor componentmay be configured having a variable pitch angle. As used in thisdisclosure a “variable pitch angle” is an angle that may be moved and/orrotated. For example, and without limitation, propulsor component may beangled at a first angle of 3.3° inward, wherein propulsor component maybe rotated and/or shifted to a second angle of 1.7° outward.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , propulsor may include a thrust elementwhich may be integrated into the propulsor. Thrust element may include,without limitation, a device using moving or rotating foils, such as oneor more rotors, an airscrew or propeller, a set of airscrews orpropellers such as contra-rotating propellers, a moving or flappingwing, or the like. Further, a thrust element, for example, can includewithout limitation a marine propeller or screw, an impeller, a turbine,a pump-jet, a paddle or paddle-based device, or the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , plurality of actuators 1208 mayinclude power sources, control links to one or more elements, fuses,and/or mechanical couplings used to drive and/or control any otherflight component. Plurality of actuators 1208 may include a motor thatoperates to move one or more flight control components and/or one ormore control surfaces, to drive one or more propulsors, or the like. Amotor may be driven by direct current (DC) electric power and mayinclude, without limitation, brushless DC electric motors, switchedreluctance motors, induction motors, or any combination thereof.Alternatively or additionally, a motor may be driven by an inverter. Amotor may also include electronic speed controllers, inverters, or othercomponents for regulating motor speed, rotation direction, and/ordynamic braking.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , plurality of actuators 1208 may include anenergy source. An energy source may include, for example, a generator, aphotovoltaic device, a fuel cell such as a hydrogen fuel cell, directmethanol fuel cell, and/or solid oxide fuel cell, an electric energystorage device (e.g. a capacitor, an inductor, and/or a battery). Anenergy source may also include a battery cell, or a plurality of batterycells connected in series into a module and each module connected inseries or in parallel with other modules. Configuration of an energysource containing connected modules may be designed to meet an energy orpower requirement and may be designed to fit within a designatedfootprint in an electric aircraft in which system may be incorporated.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 12 , an energy source maybe used to provide a steady supply of electrical power to a load over aflight by an electric aircraft 1200. For example, energy source may becapable of providing sufficient power for “cruising” and otherrelatively low-energy phases of flight. An energy source may also becapable of providing electrical power for some higher-power phases offlight as well, particularly when the energy source is at a high SOC, asmay be the case for instance during takeoff. In an embodiment, energysource may include an emergency power unit which may be capable ofproviding sufficient electrical power for auxiliary loads includingwithout limitation, lighting, navigation, communications, de-icing,steering or other systems requiring power or energy. Further, energysource may be capable of providing sufficient power for controlleddescent and landing protocols, including, without limitation, hoveringdescent or runway landing. As used herein the energy source may havehigh power density where electrical power an energy source can usefullyproduce per unit of volume and/or mass is relatively high. As used inthis disclosure, “electrical power” is a rate of electrical energy perunit time. An energy source may include a device for which power thatmay be produced per unit of volume and/or mass has been optimized, forinstance at an expense of maximal total specific energy density or powercapacity. Non-limiting examples of items that may be used as at least anenergy source include batteries used for starting applications includingLi ion batteries which may include NCA, NMC, Lithium iron phosphate(LiFePO4) and Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO) batteries, which may bemixed with another cathode chemistry to provide more specific power ifthe application requires Li metal batteries, which have a lithium metalanode that provides high power on demand, Li ion batteries that have asilicon or titanite anode, energy source may be used, in an embodiment,to provide electrical power to an electric aircraft or drone, such as anelectric aircraft vehicle, during moments requiring high rates of poweroutput, including without limitation takeoff, landing, thermal de-icingand situations requiring greater power output for reasons of stability,such as high turbulence situations, as described in further detailbelow. A battery may include, without limitation a battery using nickelbased chemistries such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride, abattery using lithium ion battery chemistries such as a nickel cobaltaluminum (NCA), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium iron phosphate(LiFePO4), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), and/or lithium manganese oxide(LMO), a battery using lithium polymer technology, lead-based batteriessuch as without limitation lead acid batteries, metal-air batteries, orany other suitable battery. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewingthe entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various devices ofcomponents that may be used as an energy source.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , an energy source may include a plurality ofenergy sources, referred to herein as a module of energy sources. Modulemay include batteries connected in parallel or in series or a pluralityof modules connected either in series or in parallel designed to satisfyboth power and energy requirements. Connecting batteries in series mayincrease a potential of at least an energy source which may provide morepower on demand. High potential batteries may require cell matching whenhigh peak load is needed. As more cells are connected in strings, theremay exist a possibility of one cell failing which may increaseresistance in module and reduce overall power output as voltage of themodule may decrease as a result of that failing cell. Connectingbatteries in parallel may increase total current capacity by decreasingtotal resistance, and it also may increase overall amp-hour capacity.Overall energy and power outputs of at least an energy source may bebased on individual battery cell performance or an extrapolation basedon a measurement of at least an electrical parameter. In an embodimentwhere energy source includes a plurality of battery cells, overall poweroutput capacity may be dependent on electrical parameters of eachindividual cell. If one cell experiences high self-discharge duringdemand, power drawn from at least an energy source may be decreased toavoid damage to a weakest cell. Energy source may further include,without limitation, wiring, conduit, housing, cooling system and batterymanagement system. Persons skilled in the art will be aware, afterreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, of many different componentsof an energy source. Exemplary energy sources are disclosed in detail inU.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/948,157 and 16/048,140 bothentitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HIGH ENERGY DENSITY BATTERY MODULE” byS. Donovan et al., which are incorporated in their entirety herein byreference.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , according to some embodiments, an energysource may include an emergency power unit (EPU) (i.e., auxiliary powerunit). As used in this disclosure an “emergency power unit” is an energysource as described herein that is configured to power an essentialsystem for a critical function in an emergency, for instance withoutlimitation when another energy source has failed, is depleted, or isotherwise unavailable. Exemplary non-limiting essential systems includenavigation systems, such as MFD, GPS, VOR receiver or directional gyro,and other essential flight components, such as propulsors.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , another exemplary actuator may includelanding gear. Landing gear may be used for take-off and/orlanding/Landing gear may be used to contact ground while aircraft 1200is not in flight. Exemplary landing gear is disclosed in detail in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 17/196,719 entitled “SYSTEM FOR ROLLINGLANDING GEAR” by R. Griffin et al., which is incorporated in itsentirety herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , aircraft 1200 may include a pilot control1212, including without limitation, a hover control, a thrust control,an inceptor stick, a cyclic, and/or a collective control. As used inthis disclosure a “collective control” or “collective” is a mechanicalcontrol of an aircraft that allows a pilot to adjust and/or control thepitch angle of the plurality of actuators 1208. For example and withoutlimitation, collective control may alter and/or adjust the pitch angleof all of the main rotor blades collectively. For example, and withoutlimitation pilot control 1212 may include a yoke control. As used inthis disclosure a “yoke control” is a mechanical control of an aircraftto control the pitch and/or roll. For example and without limitation,yoke control may alter and/or adjust the roll angle of aircraft 1200 asa function of controlling and/or maneuvering ailerons. In an embodiment,pilot control 1212 may include one or more foot-brakes, control sticks,pedals, throttle levels, and the like thereof. In another embodiment,and without limitation, pilot control 1212 may be configured to controla principal axis of the aircraft. As used in this disclosure a“principal axis” is an axis in a body representing one three dimensionalorientations. For example, and without limitation, principal axis ormore yaw, pitch, and/or roll axis. Principal axis may include a yawaxis. As used in this disclosure a “yaw axis” is an axis that isdirected towards the bottom of the aircraft, perpendicular to the wings.For example, and without limitation, a positive yawing motion mayinclude adjusting and/or shifting the nose of aircraft 1200 to theright. Principal axis may include a pitch axis. As used in thisdisclosure a “pitch axis” is an axis that is directed towards the rightlaterally extending wing of the aircraft. For example, and withoutlimitation, a positive pitching motion may include adjusting and/orshifting the nose of aircraft 1200 upwards. Principal axis may include aroll axis. As used in this disclosure a “roll axis” is an axis that isdirected longitudinally towards the nose of the aircraft, parallel tothe fuselage. For example, and without limitation, a positive rollingmotion may include lifting the left and lowering the right wingconcurrently.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , pilot control 1212 may be configured tomodify a variable pitch angle. For example, and without limitation,pilot control 1212 may adjust one or more angles of attack of apropeller. As used in this disclosure an “angle of attack” is an anglebetween the chord of the propeller and the relative wind. For example,and without limitation angle of attack may include a propeller bladeangled 3.2°. In an embodiment, pilot control 1212 may modify thevariable pitch angle from a first angle of 2.71° to a second angle of3.82°. Additionally or alternatively, pilot control 1212 may beconfigured to translate a pilot desired torque for flight component1208. For example, and without limitation, pilot control 1212 maytranslate that a pilot's desired torque for a propeller be 160 lb. ft.of torque. As a further non-limiting example, pilot control 1212 mayintroduce a pilot's desired torque for a propulsor to be 290 lb. ft. oftorque. Additional disclosure related to pilot control 1212 may be foundin U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 17/001,845 and 16/929,206 both ofwhich are entitled “A HOVER AND THRUST CONTROL ASSEMBLY FOR DUAL-MODEAIRCRAFT” by C. Spiegel et al., which are incorporated in their entiretyherein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , aircraft 1200 may include a loading system.A loading system may include a system configured to load an aircraft ofeither cargo or personnel. For instance, some exemplary loading systemsmay include a swing nose, which is configured to swing the nose ofaircraft 1200 of the way thereby allowing direct access to a cargo baylocated behind the nose. A notable exemplary swing nose aircraft isBoeing 747. Additional disclosure related to loading systems can befound in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/137,594 entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR LOADING AND SECURING PAYLOAD IN AN AIRCRAFT” by R.Griffin et al., entirety of which in incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , aircraft 1200 may include a sensor 1216.Sensor 1216 may include any sensor or noise monitoring circuit describedin this disclosure, for instance in reference to FIGS. 1-12 . Sensor1216 may be configured to sense a characteristic of pilot control 1212.Sensor may be a device, module, and/or subsystem, utilizing anyhardware, software, and/or any combination thereof to sense acharacteristic and/or changes thereof, in an instant environment, forinstance without limitation a pilot control 1212, which the sensor isproximal to or otherwise in a sensed communication with, and transmitinformation associated with the characteristic, for instance withoutlimitation digitized data. Sensor 1216 may be mechanically and/orcommunicatively coupled to aircraft 1200, including, for instance, to atleast a pilot control 1212. Sensor 1216 may be configured to sense acharacteristic associated with at least a pilot control 1212. Anenvironmental sensor may include without limitation one or more sensorsused to detect ambient temperature, barometric pressure, and/or airvelocity, one or more motion sensors which may include withoutlimitation gyroscopes, accelerometers, inertial measurement unit (IMU),and/or magnetic sensors, one or more humidity sensors, one or moreoxygen sensors, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, sensor 1216may include at least a geospatial sensor. Sensor 1216 may be locatedinside an aircraft; and/or be included in and/or attached to at least aportion of the aircraft. Sensor may include one or more proximitysensors, displacement sensors, vibration sensors, and the like thereof.Sensor may be used to monitor the status of aircraft 1200 for bothcritical and non-critical functions. Sensor may be incorporated intovehicle or aircraft or be remote.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, sensor 1216 may beconfigured to sense a characteristic associated with any pilot controldescribed in this disclosure. Non-limiting examples of a sensor 1216 mayinclude an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, agyroscope, a proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a light sensor, apitot tube, an air speed sensor, a position sensor, a speed sensor, aswitch, a thermometer, a strain gauge, an acoustic sensor, and anelectrical sensor. In some cases, sensor 1216 may sense a characteristicas an analog measurement, for instance, yielding a continuously variableelectrical potential indicative of the sensed characteristic. In thesecases, sensor 1216 may additionally comprise an analog to digitalconverter (ADC) as well as any additionally circuitry, such as withoutlimitation a Whetstone bridge, an amplifier, a filter, and the like. Forinstance, in some cases, sensor 1216 may comprise a strain gageconfigured to determine loading of one or flight components, forinstance landing gear. Strain gage may be included within a circuitcomprising a Whetstone bridge, an amplified, and a bandpass filter toprovide an analog strain measurement signal having a high signal tonoise ratio, which characterizes strain on a landing gear member. An ADCmay then digitize analog signal produces a digital signal that can thenbe transmitted other systems within aircraft 1200, for instance withoutlimitation a computing system, a pilot display, and a memory component.Alternatively or additionally, sensor 1216 may sense a characteristic ofa pilot control 1212 digitally. For instance in some embodiments, sensor1216 may sense a characteristic through a digital means or digitize asensed signal natively. In some cases, for example, sensor 1216 mayinclude a rotational encoder and be configured to sense a rotationalposition of a pilot control; in this case, the rotational encoderdigitally may sense rotational “clicks” by any known method, such aswithout limitation magnetically, optically, and the like.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , electric aircraft 1200 may include at leasta motor 1224, which may be mounted on a structural feature of theaircraft. Design of motor 1224 may enable it to be installed external tostructural member (such as a boom, nacelle, or fuselage) for easymaintenance access and to minimize accessibility requirements for thestructure; this may improve structural efficiency by requiring fewerlarge holes in the mounting area. In some embodiments, motor 1224 mayinclude two main holes in top and bottom of mounting area to accessbearing cartridge. Further, a structural feature may include a componentof electric aircraft 1200. For example, and without limitationstructural feature may be any portion of a vehicle incorporating motor1224, including any vehicle as described in this disclosure. As afurther non-limiting example, a structural feature may include withoutlimitation a wing, a spar, an outrigger, a fuselage, or any portionthereof; persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing the entirety of thisdisclosure, will be aware of many possible features that may function asat least a structural feature. At least a structural feature may beconstructed of any suitable material or combination of materials,including without limitation metal such as aluminum, titanium, steel, orthe like, polymer materials or composites, fiberglass, carbon fiber,wood, or any other suitable material. As a non-limiting example, atleast a structural feature may be constructed from additivelymanufactured polymer material with a carbon fiber exterior; aluminumparts or other elements may be enclosed for structural strength, or forpurposes of supporting, for instance, vibration, torque or shearstresses imposed by at least propulsor 1208. Persons skilled in the art,upon reviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of variousmaterials, combinations of materials, and/or constructions techniques.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 12 , electric aircraft 1200 may includeelectric vehicle port 1228. Electric vehicle port 1228 may include anyelectric vehicle port as described in further detail above in referenceto FIGS. 1-11 . Electric vehicle port 1228 may be located in anyorientation, position and/or location on electric aircraft 1200. In anembodiment and without limitation, electric vehicle port 1228 may beconfigured to be located on fuselage 1204.

Still referring to FIG. 12 , electric aircraft 1200 may include avertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL). As used herein, avertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is one that can hover,take off, and land vertically. An eVTOL, as used herein, is anelectrically powered aircraft typically using an energy source, of aplurality of energy sources to power the aircraft. In order to optimizethe power and energy necessary to propel the aircraft. eVTOL may becapable of rotor-based cruising flight, rotor-based takeoff, rotor-basedlanding, fixed-wing cruising flight, airplane-style takeoff,airplane-style landing, and/or any combination thereof. Rotor-basedflight, as described herein, is where the aircraft generated lift andpropulsion by way of one or more powered rotors coupled with an engine,such as a “quad copter,” multi-rotor helicopter, or other vehicle thatmaintains its lift primarily using downward thrusting propulsors.Fixed-wing flight, as described herein, is where the aircraft is capableof flight using wings and/or foils that generate life caused by theaircraft's forward airspeed and the shape of the wings and/or foils,such as airplane-style flight.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , a number of aerodynamic forces mayact upon the electric aircraft 1200 during flight. Forces acting onelectric aircraft 1200 during flight may include, without limitation,thrust, the forward force produced by the rotating element of theelectric aircraft 1200 and acts parallel to the longitudinal axis.Another force acting upon electric aircraft 1200 may be, withoutlimitation, drag, which may be defined as a rearward retarding forcewhich is caused by disruption of airflow by any protruding surface ofthe electric aircraft 1200 such as, without limitation, the wing, rotor,and fuselage. Drag may oppose thrust and acts rearward parallel to therelative wind. A further force acting upon electric aircraft 1200 mayinclude, without limitation, weight, which may include a combined loadof the electric aircraft 1200 itself, crew, baggage, and/or fuel. Weightmay pull electric aircraft 1200 downward due to the force of gravity. Anadditional force acting on electric aircraft 1200 may include, withoutlimitation, lift, which may act to oppose the downward force of weightand may be produced by the dynamic effect of air acting on the airfoiland/or downward thrust from the propulsor 1208 of the electric aircraft.Lift generated by the airfoil may depend on speed of airflow, density ofair, total area of an airfoil and/or segment thereof, and/or an angle ofattack between air and the airfoil. For example, and without limitation,electric aircraft 1200 are designed to be as lightweight as possible.Reducing the weight of the aircraft and designing to reduce the numberof components is essential to optimize the weight. To save energy, itmay be useful to reduce weight of components of electric aircraft 1200,including without limitation propulsors and/or propulsion assemblies. Inan embodiment, motor 1224 may eliminate need for many externalstructural features that otherwise might be needed to join one componentto another component. Motor 1224 may also increase energy efficiency byenabling a lower physical propulsor profile, reducing drag and/or windresistance. This may also increase durability by lessening the extent towhich drag and/or wind resistance add to forces acting on electricaircraft 1200 and/or propulsors.

Now referring to FIG. 13 , an exemplary embodiment 1300 of a flightcontroller 1304 is illustrated. As used in this disclosure a “flightcontroller” is a computing device of a plurality of computing devicesdedicated to data storage, security, distribution of traffic for loadbalancing, and flight instruction. Flight controller 1304 may includeand/or communicate with any computing device as described in thisdisclosure, including without limitation a microcontroller,microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) and/or system on a chip(SoC) as described in this disclosure. Further, flight controller 1304may include a single computing device operating independently, or mayinclude two or more computing device operating in concert, in parallel,sequentially or the like; two or more computing devices may be includedtogether in a single computing device or in two or more computingdevices. In embodiments, flight controller 1304 may be installed in anaircraft, may control the aircraft remotely, and/or may include anelement installed in the aircraft and a remote element in communicationtherewith.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller1304 may include a signal transformation component 1308. As used in thisdisclosure a “signal transformation component” is a component thattransforms and/or converts a first signal to a second signal, wherein asignal may include one or more digital and/or analog signals. Forexample, and without limitation, signal transformation component 1308may be configured to perform one or more operations such aspreprocessing, lexical analysis, parsing, semantic analysis, and thelike thereof. In an embodiment, and without limitation, signaltransformation component 1308 may include one or more analog-to-digitalconvertors that transform a first signal of an analog signal to a secondsignal of a digital signal. For example, and without limitation, ananalog-to-digital converter may convert an analog input signal to a10-bit binary digital representation of that signal. In anotherembodiment, signal transformation component 1308 may includetransforming one or more low-level languages such as, but not limitedto, machine languages and/or assembly languages. For example, andwithout limitation, signal transformation component 1308 may includetransforming a binary language signal to an assembly language signal. Inan embodiment, and without limitation, signal transformation component1308 may include transforming one or more high-level languages and/orformal languages such as but not limited to alphabets, strings, and/orlanguages. For example, and without limitation, high-level languages mayinclude one or more system languages, scripting languages,domain-specific languages, visual languages, esoteric languages, and thelike thereof. As a further non-limiting example, high-level languagesmay include one or more algebraic formula languages, business datalanguages, string and list languages, object-oriented languages, and thelike thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , signal transformation component 1308 may beconfigured to optimize an intermediate representation 1312. As used inthis disclosure an “intermediate representation” is a data structureand/or code that represents the input signal. Signal transformationcomponent 1308 may optimize intermediate representation as a function ofa data-flow analysis, dependence analysis, alias analysis, pointeranalysis, escape analysis, and the like thereof. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, signal transformation component 1308 may optimizeintermediate representation 1312 as a function of one or more inlineexpansions, dead code eliminations, constant propagation, looptransformations, and/or automatic parallelization functions. In anotherembodiment, signal transformation component 1308 may optimizeintermediate representation as a function of a machine dependentoptimization such as a peephole optimization, wherein a peepholeoptimization may rewrite short sequences of code into more efficientsequences of code. Signal transformation component 1308 may optimizeintermediate representation to generate an output language, wherein an“output language,” as used herein, is the native machine language offlight controller 1304. For example, and without limitation, nativemachine language may include one or more binary and/or numericallanguages.

In an embodiment, and without limitation, signal transformationcomponent 1308 may include transform one or more inputs and outputs as afunction of an error correction code. An error correction code, alsoknown as error correcting code (ECC), is an encoding of a message or lotof data using redundant information, permitting recovery of corrupteddata. An ECC may include a block code, in which information is encodedon fixed-size packets and/or blocks of data elements such as symbols ofpredetermined size, bits, or the like. Reed-Solomon coding, in whichmessage symbols within a symbol set having q symbols are encoded ascoefficients of a polynomial of degree less than or equal to a naturalnumber k, over a finite field F with q elements; strings so encoded havea minimum hamming distance of k+1, and permit correction of (q-k−1)/2erroneous symbols. Block code may alternatively or additionally beimplemented using Golay coding, also known as binary Golay coding,Bose-Chaudhuri, Hocquenghuem (BCH) coding, multidimensional parity-checkcoding, and/or Hamming codes. An ECC may alternatively or additionallybe based on a convolutional code.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller1304 may include a reconfigurable hardware platform 1316. A“reconfigurable hardware platform,” as used herein, is a componentand/or unit of hardware that may be reprogrammed, such that, forinstance, a data path between elements such as logic gates or otherdigital circuit elements may be modified to change an algorithm, state,logical sequence, or the like of the component and/or unit. This may beaccomplished with such flexible high-speed computing fabrics asfield-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which may include a grid ofinterconnected logic gates, connections between which may be severedand/or restored to program in modified logic. Reconfigurable hardwareplatform 1316 may be reconfigured to enact any algorithm and/oralgorithm selection process received from another computing deviceand/or created using machine-learning processes.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , reconfigurable hardware platform 1316 mayinclude a logic component 1320. As used in this disclosure a “logiccomponent” is a component that executes instructions on output language.For example, and without limitation, logic component may perform basicarithmetic, logic, controlling, input/output operations, and the likethereof. Logic component 1320 may include any suitable processor, suchas without limitation a component incorporating logical circuitry forperforming arithmetic and logical operations, such as an arithmetic andlogic unit (ALU), which may be regulated with a state machine anddirected by operational inputs from memory and/or sensors; logiccomponent 1320 may be organized according to Von Neumann and/or Harvardarchitecture as a non-limiting example. Logic component 1320 mayinclude, incorporate, and/or be incorporated in, without limitation, amicrocontroller, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), FieldProgrammable Gate Array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Device(CPLD), Graphical Processing Unit (GPU), general purpose GPU, TensorProcessing Unit (TPU), analog or mixed signal processor, TrustedPlatform Module (TPM), a floating-point unit (FPU), and/or system on achip (SoC). In an embodiment, logic component 1320 may include one ormore integrated circuit microprocessors, which may contain one or morecentral processing units, central processors, and/or main processors, ona single metal-oxide-semiconductor chip. Logic component 1320 may beconfigured to execute a sequence of stored instructions to be performedon the output language and/or intermediate representation 1312. Logiccomponent 1320 may be configured to fetch and/or retrieve theinstruction from a memory cache, wherein a “memory cache,” as used inthis disclosure, is a stored instruction set on flight controller 1304.Logic component 1320 may be configured to decode the instructionretrieved from the memory cache to opcodes and/or operands. Logiccomponent 1320 may be configured to execute the instruction onintermediate representation 1312 and/or output language. For example,and without limitation, logic component 1320 may be configured toexecute an addition operation on intermediate representation 1312 and/oroutput language.

In an embodiment, and without limitation, logic component 1320 may beconfigured to calculate a flight element 1324. As used in thisdisclosure a “flight element” is an element of datum denoting a relativestatus of aircraft. For example, and without limitation, flight element1324 may denote one or more torques, thrusts, airspeed velocities,forces, altitudes, groundspeed velocities, directions during flight,directions facing, forces, orientations, and the like thereof. Forexample, and without limitation, flight element 1324 may denote thataircraft is cruising at an altitude and/or with a sufficient magnitudeof forward thrust. As a further non-limiting example, flight status maydenote that is building thrust and/or groundspeed velocity inpreparation for a takeoff. As a further non-limiting example, flightelement 1324 may denote that aircraft is following a flight pathaccurately and/or sufficiently.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller 1304 may include achipset component 1328. As used in this disclosure a “chipset component”is a component that manages data flow. In an embodiment, and withoutlimitation, chipset component 1328 may include a northbridge data flowpath, wherein the northbridge dataflow path may manage data flow fromlogic component 1320 to a high-speed device and/or component, such as aRAM, graphics controller, and the like thereof. In another embodiment,and without limitation, chipset component 1328 may include a southbridgedata flow path, wherein the southbridge dataflow path may manage dataflow from logic component 1320 to lower-speed peripheral buses, such asa peripheral component interconnect (PCI), industry standardarchitecture (ICA), and the like thereof. In an embodiment, and withoutlimitation, southbridge data flow path may include managing data flowbetween peripheral connections such as ethernet, USB, audio devices, andthe like thereof. Additionally or alternatively, chipset component 1328may manage data flow between logic component 1320, memory cache, and aflight component 1332. As used in this disclosure a “flight component”is a portion of an aircraft that can be moved or adjusted to affect oneor more flight elements. For example, flight component 1332 may includea component used to affect the aircrafts' roll and pitch which maycomprise one or more ailerons. As a further example, flight component1332 may include a rudder to control yaw of an aircraft. In anembodiment, chipset component 1328 may be configured to communicate witha plurality of flight components as a function of flight element 1324.For example, and without limitation, chipset component 1328 may transmitto an aircraft rotor to reduce torque of a first lift propulsor andincrease the forward thrust produced by a pusher component to perform aflight maneuver.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller1304 may be configured generate an autonomous function. As used in thisdisclosure an “autonomous function” is a mode and/or function of flightcontroller 1304 that controls aircraft automatically. For example, andwithout limitation, autonomous function may perform one or more aircraftmaneuvers, take offs, landings, altitude adjustments, flight levelingadjustments, turns, climbs, and/or descents. As a further non-limitingexample, autonomous function may adjust one or more airspeed velocities,thrusts, torques, and/or groundspeed velocities. As a furthernon-limiting example, autonomous function may perform one or more flightpath corrections and/or flight path modifications as a function offlight element 1324. In an embodiment, autonomous function may includeone or more modes of autonomy such as, but not limited to, autonomousmode, semi-autonomous mode, and/or non-autonomous mode. As used in thisdisclosure “autonomous mode” is a mode that automatically adjusts and/orcontrols aircraft and/or the maneuvers of aircraft in its entirety. Forexample, autonomous mode may denote that flight controller 1304 willadjust the aircraft. As used in this disclosure a “semi-autonomous mode”is a mode that automatically adjusts and/or controls a portion and/orsection of aircraft. For example, and without limitation,semi-autonomous mode may denote that a pilot will control thepropulsors, wherein flight controller 1304 will control the aileronsand/or rudders. As used in this disclosure “non-autonomous mode” is amode that denotes a pilot will control aircraft and/or maneuvers ofaircraft in its entirety.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller1304 may generate autonomous function as a function of an autonomousmachine-learning model. As used in this disclosure an “autonomousmachine-learning model” is a machine-learning model to produce anautonomous function output given flight element 1324 and a pilot signal1336 as inputs; this is in contrast to a non-machine learning softwareprogram where the commands to be executed are determined in advance by auser and written in a programming language. As used in this disclosure a“pilot signal” is an element of datum representing one or more functionsa pilot is controlling and/or adjusting. For example, pilot signal 1336may denote that a pilot is controlling and/or maneuvering ailerons,wherein the pilot is not in control of the rudders and/or propulsors. Inan embodiment, pilot signal 1336 may include an implicit signal and/oran explicit signal. For example, and without limitation, pilot signal1336 may include an explicit signal, wherein the pilot explicitly statesthere is a lack of control and/or desire for autonomous function. As afurther non-limiting example, pilot signal 1336 may include an explicitsignal directing flight controller 1304 to control and/or maintain aportion of aircraft, a portion of the flight plan, the entire aircraft,and/or the entire flight plan. As a further non-limiting example, pilotsignal 1336 may include an implicit signal, wherein flight controller1304 detects a lack of control such as by a malfunction, torquealteration, flight path deviation, and the like thereof. In anembodiment, and without limitation, pilot signal 1336 may include one ormore explicit signals to reduce torque, and/or one or more implicitsignals that torque may be reduced due to reduction of airspeedvelocity. In an embodiment, and without limitation, pilot signal 1336may include one or more local and/or global signals. For example, andwithout limitation, pilot signal 1336 may include a local signal that istransmitted by a pilot and/or crew member. As a further non-limitingexample, pilot signal 1336 may include a global signal that istransmitted by air traffic control and/or one or more remote users thatare in communication with the pilot of aircraft. In an embodiment, pilotsignal 1336 may be received as a function of a tri-state bus and/ormultiplexor that denotes an explicit pilot signal should be transmittedprior to any implicit or global pilot signal.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , autonomous machine-learning model mayinclude one or more autonomous machine-learning processes such assupervised, unsupervised, or reinforcement machine-learning processesthat flight controller 1304 and/or a remote device may or may not use inthe generation of autonomous function. As used in this disclosure“remote device” is an external device to flight controller 1304.Additionally or alternatively, autonomous machine-learning model mayinclude one or more autonomous machine-learning processes that afield-programmable gate array (FPGA) may or may not use in thegeneration of autonomous function. Autonomous machine-learning processmay include, without limitation machine learning processes such assimple linear regression, multiple linear regression, polynomialregression, support vector regression, ridge regression, lassoregression, elasticnet regression, decision tree regression, randomforest regression, logistic regression, logistic classification,K-nearest neighbors, support vector machines, kernel support vectormachines, naïve bayes, decision tree classification, random forestclassification, K-means clustering, hierarchical clustering,dimensionality reduction, principal component analysis, lineardiscriminant analysis, kernel principal component analysis, Q-learning,State Action Reward State Action (SARSA), Deep-Q network, Markovdecision processes, Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG), or thelike thereof.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , autonomous machinelearning model may be trained as a function of autonomous training data,wherein autonomous training data may correlate a flight element, pilotsignal, and/or simulation data to an autonomous function. For example,and without limitation, a flight element of an airspeed velocity, apilot signal of limited and/or no control of propulsors, and asimulation data of required airspeed velocity to reach the destinationmay result in an autonomous function that includes a semi-autonomousmode to increase thrust of the propulsors. Autonomous training data maybe received as a function of user-entered valuations of flight elements,pilot signals, simulation data, and/or autonomous functions. Flightcontroller 1304 may receive autonomous training data by receivingcorrelations of flight element, pilot signal, and/or simulation data toan autonomous function that were previously received and/or determinedduring a previous iteration of generation of autonomous function.Autonomous training data may be received by one or more remote devicesand/or FPGAs that at least correlate a flight element, pilot signal,and/or simulation data to an autonomous function. Autonomous trainingdata may be received in the form of one or more user-enteredcorrelations of a flight element, pilot signal, and/or simulation datato an autonomous function.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller 1304 may receiveautonomous machine-learning model from a remote device and/or FPGA thatutilizes one or more autonomous machine learning processes, wherein aremote device and an FPGA is described above in detail. For example, andwithout limitation, a remote device may include a computing device,external device, processor, FPGA, microprocessor and the like thereof.Remote device and/or FPGA may perform the autonomous machine-learningprocess using autonomous training data to generate autonomous functionand transmit the output to flight controller 1304. Remote device and/orFPGA may transmit a signal, bit, datum, or parameter to flightcontroller 1304 that at least relates to autonomous function.Additionally or alternatively, the remote device and/or FPGA may providean updated machine-learning model. For example, and without limitation,an updated machine-learning model may be comprised of a firmware update,a software update, an autonomous machine-learning process correction,and the like thereof. As a non-limiting example a software update mayincorporate a new simulation data that relates to a modified flightelement. Additionally or alternatively, the updated machine learningmodel may be transmitted to the remote device and/or FPGA, wherein theremote device and/or FPGA may replace the autonomous machine-learningmodel with the updated machine-learning model and generate theautonomous function as a function of the flight element, pilot signal,and/or simulation data using the updated machine-learning model. Theupdated machine-learning model may be transmitted by the remote deviceand/or FPGA and received by flight controller 1304 as a software update,firmware update, or corrected autonomous machine-learning model. Forexample, and without limitation autonomous machine learning model mayutilize a neural net machine-learning process, wherein the updatedmachine-learning model may incorporate a gradient boostingmachine-learning process.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller 1304 may include, beincluded in, and/or communicate with a mobile device such as a mobiletelephone or smartphone. Further, flight controller may communicate withone or more additional devices as described below in further detail viaa network interface device. The network interface device may be utilizedfor commutatively connecting a flight controller to one or more of avariety of networks, and one or more devices. Examples of a networkinterface device include, but are not limited to, a network interfacecard (e.g., a mobile network interface card, a LAN card), a modem, andany combination thereof. Examples of a network include, but are notlimited to, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet, an enterprisenetwork), a local area network (e.g., a network associated with anoffice, a building, a campus or other relatively small geographicspace), a telephone network, a data network associated with atelephone/voice provider (e.g., a mobile communications provider dataand/or voice network), a direct connection between two computingdevices, and any combinations thereof. The network may include anynetwork topology and can may employ a wired and/or a wireless mode ofcommunication.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller1304 may include, but is not limited to, for example, a cluster offlight controllers in a first location and a second flight controller orcluster of flight controllers in a second location. Flight controller1304 may include one or more flight controllers dedicated to datastorage, security, distribution of traffic for load balancing, and thelike. Flight controller 1304 may be configured to distribute one or morecomputing tasks as described below across a plurality of flightcontrollers, which may operate in parallel, in series, redundantly, orin any other manner used for distribution of tasks or memory betweencomputing devices. For example, and without limitation, flightcontroller 1304 may implement a control algorithm to distribute and/orcommand the plurality of flight controllers. As used in this disclosurea “control algorithm” is a finite sequence of well-defined computerimplementable instructions that may determine the flight component ofthe plurality of flight components to be adjusted. For example, andwithout limitation, control algorithm may include one or more algorithmsthat reduce and/or prevent aviation asymmetry. As a further non-limitingexample, control algorithms may include one or more models generated asa function of a software including, but not limited to Simulink byMathWorks, Natick, Mass., USA. In an embodiment, and without limitation,control algorithm may be configured to generate an auto-code, wherein an“auto-code,” is used herein, is a code and/or algorithm that isgenerated as a function of the one or more models and/or software's. Inanother embodiment, control algorithm may be configured to produce asegmented control algorithm. As used in this disclosure a “segmentedcontrol algorithm” is control algorithm that has been separated and/orparsed into discrete sections. For example, and without limitation,segmented control algorithm may parse control algorithm into two or moresegments, wherein each segment of control algorithm may be performed byone or more flight controllers operating on distinct flight components.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , control algorithm maybe configured to determine a segmentation boundary as a function ofsegmented control algorithm. As used in this disclosure a “segmentationboundary” is a limit and/or delineation associated with the segments ofthe segmented control algorithm. For example, and without limitation,segmentation boundary may denote that a segment in the control algorithmhas a first starting section and/or a first ending section. As a furthernon-limiting example, segmentation boundary may include one or moreboundaries associated with an ability of flight component 1332. In anembodiment, control algorithm may be configured to create an optimizedsignal communication as a function of segmentation boundary. Forexample, and without limitation, optimized signal communication mayinclude identifying the discrete timing required to transmit and/orreceive the one or more segmentation boundaries. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, creating optimized signal communication furthercomprises separating a plurality of signal codes across the plurality offlight controllers. For example, and without limitation the plurality offlight controllers may include one or more formal networks, whereinformal networks transmit data along an authority chain and/or arelimited to task-related communications. As a further non-limitingexample, communication network may include informal networks, whereininformal networks transmit data in any direction. In an embodiment, andwithout limitation, the plurality of flight controllers may include achain path, wherein a “chain path,” as used herein, is a linearcommunication path comprising a hierarchy that data may flow through. Inan embodiment, and without limitation, the plurality of flightcontrollers may include an all-channel path, wherein an “all-channelpath,” as used herein, is a communication path that is not restricted toa particular direction. For example, and without limitation, data may betransmitted upward, downward, laterally, and the like thereof. In anembodiment, and without limitation, the plurality of flight controllersmay include one or more neural networks that assign a weighted value toa transmitted datum. For example, and without limitation, a weightedvalue may be assigned as a function of one or more signals denoting thata flight component is malfunctioning and/or in a failure state.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , the plurality of flight controllers mayinclude a master bus controller. As used in this disclosure a “masterbus controller” is one or more devices and/or components that areconnected to a bus to initiate a direct memory access transaction,wherein a bus is one or more terminals in a bus architecture. Master buscontroller may communicate using synchronous and/or asynchronous buscontrol protocols. In an embodiment, master bus controller may includeflight controller 1304. In another embodiment, master bus controller mayinclude one or more universal asynchronous receiver-transmitters (UART).For example, and without limitation, master bus controller may includeone or more bus architectures that allow a bus to initiate a directmemory access transaction from one or more buses in the busarchitectures. As a further non-limiting example, master bus controllermay include one or more peripheral devices and/or components tocommunicate with another peripheral device and/or component and/or themaster bus controller. In an embodiment, master bus controller may beconfigured to perform bus arbitration. As used in this disclosure “busarbitration” is method and/or scheme to prevent multiple buses fromattempting to communicate with and/or connect to master bus controller.For example and without limitation, bus arbitration may include one ormore schemes such as a small computer interface system, wherein a smallcomputer interface system is a set of standards for physical connectingand transferring data between peripheral devices and master buscontroller by defining commands, protocols, electrical, optical, and/orlogical interfaces. In an embodiment, master bus controller may receiveintermediate representation 1312 and/or output language from logiccomponent 1320, wherein output language may include one or moreanalog-to-digital conversions, low bit rate transmissions, messageencryptions, digital signals, binary signals, logic signals, analogsignals, and the like thereof described above in detail.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , master bus controller may communicate witha slave bus. As used in this disclosure a “slave bus” is one or moreperipheral devices and/or components that initiate a bus transfer. Forexample, and without limitation, slave bus may receive one or morecontrols and/or asymmetric communications from master bus controller,wherein slave bus transfers data stored to master bus controller. In anembodiment, and without limitation, slave bus may include one or moreinternal buses, such as but not limited to a/an internal data bus,memory bus, system bus, front-side bus, and the like thereof. In anotherembodiment, and without limitation, slave bus may include one or moreexternal buses such as external flight controllers, external computers,remote devices, printers, aircraft computer systems, flight controlsystems, and the like thereof.

In an embodiment, and still referring to FIG. 13 , control algorithm mayoptimize signal communication as a function of determining one or morediscrete timings. For example, and without limitation master buscontroller may synchronize timing of the segmented control algorithm byinjecting high priority timing signals on a bus of the master buscontrol. As used in this disclosure a “high priority timing signal” isinformation denoting that the information is important. For example, andwithout limitation, high priority timing signal may denote that asection of control algorithm is of high priority and should be analyzedand/or transmitted prior to any other sections being analyzed and/ortransmitted. In an embodiment, high priority timing signal may includeone or more priority packets. As used in this disclosure a “prioritypacket” is a formatted unit of data that is communicated between theplurality of flight controllers. For example, and without limitation,priority packet may denote that a section of control algorithm should beused and/or is of greater priority than other sections.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller 1304 may also beimplemented using a “shared nothing” architecture in which data iscached at the worker, in an embodiment, this may enable scalability ofaircraft and/or computing device. Flight controller 1304 may include adistributer flight controller. As used in this disclosure a “distributerflight controller” is a component that adjusts and/or controls aplurality of flight components as a function of a plurality of flightcontrollers. For example, distributer flight controller may include aflight controller that communicates with a plurality of additionalflight controllers and/or clusters of flight controllers. In anembodiment, distributed flight control may include one or more neuralnetworks. For example, neural network also known as an artificial neuralnetwork, is a network of “nodes,” or data structures having one or moreinputs, one or more outputs, and a function determining outputs based oninputs. Such nodes may be organized in a network, such as withoutlimitation a convolutional neural network, including an input layer ofnodes, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer of nodes.Connections between nodes may be created via the process of “training”the network, in which elements from a training dataset are applied tothe input nodes, a suitable training algorithm (such asLevenberg-Marquardt, conjugate gradient, simulated annealing, or otheralgorithms) is then used to adjust the connections and weights betweennodes in adjacent layers of the neural network to produce the desiredvalues at the output nodes. This process is sometimes referred to asdeep learning.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , a node may include, without limitation aplurality of inputs x_(i) that may receive numerical values from inputsto a neural network containing the node and/or from other nodes. Nodemay perform a weighted sum of inputs using weights w_(i) that aremultiplied by respective inputs x_(i). Additionally or alternatively, abias b may be added to the weighted sum of the inputs such that anoffset is added to each unit in the neural network layer that isindependent of the input to the layer. The weighted sum may then beinput into a function φ, which may generate one or more outputs y.Weight w_(i) applied to an input x_(i) may indicate whether the input is“excitatory,” indicating that it has strong influence on the one or moreoutputs y, for instance by the corresponding weight having a largenumerical value, and/or a “inhibitory,” indicating it has a weak effectinfluence on the one more inputs y, for instance by the correspondingweight having a small numerical value. The values of weights w_(i) maybe determined by training a neural network using training data, whichmay be performed using any suitable process as described above. In anembodiment, and without limitation, a neural network may receivesemantic units as inputs and output vectors representing such semanticunits according to weights w_(i) that are derived using machine-learningprocesses as described in this disclosure.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller may include asub-controller 1340. As used in this disclosure a “sub-controller” is acontroller and/or component that is part of a distributed controller asdescribed above; for instance, flight controller 1304 may be and/orinclude a distributed flight controller made up of one or moresub-controllers. For example, and without limitation, sub-controller1340 may include any controllers and/or components thereof that aresimilar to distributed flight controller and/or flight controller asdescribed above. Sub-controller 1340 may include any component of anyflight controller as described above. Sub-controller 1340 may beimplemented in any manner suitable for implementation of a flightcontroller as described above. As a further non-limiting example,sub-controller 1340 may include one or more processors, logic componentsand/or computing devices capable of receiving, processing, and/ortransmitting data across the distributed flight controller as describedabove. As a further non-limiting example, sub-controller 1340 mayinclude a controller that receives a signal from a first flightcontroller and/or first distributed flight controller component andtransmits the signal to a plurality of additional sub-controllers and/orflight components.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , flight controller may include aco-controller 1344. As used in this disclosure a “co-controller” is acontroller and/or component that joins flight controller 1304 ascomponents and/or nodes of a distributer flight controller as describedabove. For example, and without limitation, co-controller 1344 mayinclude one or more controllers and/or components that are similar toflight controller 1304. As a further non-limiting example, co-controller1344 may include any controller and/or component that joins flightcontroller 1304 to distributer flight controller. As a furthernon-limiting example, co-controller 1344 may include one or moreprocessors, logic components and/or computing devices capable ofreceiving, processing, and/or transmitting data to and/or from flightcontroller 1304 to distributed flight control system. Co-controller 1344may include any component of any flight controller as described above.Co-controller 1344 may be implemented in any manner suitable forimplementation of a flight controller as described above.

In an embodiment, and with continued reference to FIG. 13 , flightcontroller 1304 may be designed and/or configured to perform any method,method step, or sequence of method steps in any embodiment described inthis disclosure, in any order and with any degree of repetition. Forinstance, flight controller 1304 may be configured to perform a singlestep or sequence repeatedly until a desired or commanded outcome isachieved; repetition of a step or a sequence of steps may be performediteratively and/or recursively using outputs of previous repetitions asinputs to subsequent repetitions, aggregating inputs and/or outputs ofrepetitions to produce an aggregate result, reduction or decrement ofone or more variables such as global variables, and/or division of alarger processing task into a set of iteratively addressed smallerprocessing tasks. Flight controller may perform any step or sequence ofsteps as described in this disclosure in parallel, such assimultaneously and/or substantially simultaneously performing a step twoor more times using two or more parallel threads, processor cores, orthe like; division of tasks between parallel threads and/or processesmay be performed according to any protocol suitable for division oftasks between iterations. Persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various ways in whichsteps, sequences of steps, processing tasks, and/or data may besubdivided, shared, or otherwise dealt with using iteration, recursion,and/or parallel processing.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , an exemplary embodiment of a machine-learningmodule 1400 that may perform one or more machine-learning processes asdescribed in this disclosure is illustrated. Machine-learning module mayperform determinations, classification, and/or analysis steps, methods,processes, or the like as described in this disclosure using machinelearning processes. A “machine learning process,” as used in thisdisclosure, is a process that automatedly uses training data 1404 togenerate an algorithm that will be performed by a computingdevice/module to produce outputs 1408 given data provided as inputs1412; this is in contrast to a non-machine learning software programwhere the commands to be executed are determined in advance by a userand written in a programming language.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , “training data,” as used herein, is datacontaining correlations that a machine-learning process may use to modelrelationships between two or more categories of data elements. Forinstance, and without limitation, training data 1404 may include aplurality of data entries, each entry representing a set of dataelements that were recorded, received, and/or generated together; dataelements may be correlated by shared existence in a given data entry, byproximity in a given data entry, or the like. Multiple data entries intraining data 1404 may evince one or more trends in correlations betweencategories of data elements; for instance, and without limitation, ahigher value of a first data element belonging to a first category ofdata element may tend to correlate to a higher value of a second dataelement belonging to a second category of data element, indicating apossible proportional or other mathematical relationship linking valuesbelonging to the two categories. Multiple categories of data elementsmay be related in training data 1404 according to various correlations;correlations may indicate causative and/or predictive links betweencategories of data elements, which may be modeled as relationships suchas mathematical relationships by machine-learning processes as describedin further detail below. Training data 1404 may be formatted and/ororganized by categories of data elements, for instance by associatingdata elements with one or more descriptors corresponding to categoriesof data elements. As a non-limiting example, training data 1404 mayinclude data entered in standardized forms by persons or processes, suchthat entry of a given data element in a given field in a form may bemapped to one or more descriptors of categories. Elements in trainingdata 1404 may be linked to descriptors of categories by tags, tokens, orother data elements; for instance, and without limitation, training data1404 may be provided in fixed-length formats, formats linking positionsof data to categories such as comma-separated value (CSV) formats and/orself-describing formats such as extensible markup language (XML),JavaScript Object Notation (JSON), or the like, enabling processes ordevices to detect categories of data.

Alternatively or additionally, and continuing to refer to FIG. 14 ,training data 1404 may include one or more elements that are notcategorized; that is, training data 1404 may not be formatted or containdescriptors for some elements of data. Machine-learning algorithmsand/or other processes may sort training data 1404 according to one ormore categorizations using, for instance, natural language processingalgorithms, tokenization, detection of correlated values in raw data andthe like; categories may be generated using correlation and/or otherprocessing algorithms. As a non-limiting example, in a corpus of text,phrases making up a number “n” of compound words, such as nouns modifiedby other nouns, may be identified according to a statisticallysignificant prevalence of n-grams containing such words in a particularorder; such an n-gram may be categorized as an element of language suchas a “word” to be tracked similarly to single words, generating a newcategory as a result of statistical analysis. Similarly, in a data entryincluding some textual data, a person's name may be identified byreference to a list, dictionary, or other compendium of terms,permitting ad-hoc categorization by machine-learning algorithms, and/orautomated association of data in the data entry with descriptors or intoa given format. The ability to categorize data entries automatedly mayenable the same training data 1404 to be made applicable for two or moredistinct machine-learning algorithms as described in further detailbelow. Training data 1404 used by machine-learning module 1400 maycorrelate any input data as described in this disclosure to any outputdata as described in this disclosure. As a non-limiting illustrativeexample flight elements and/or pilot signals may be inputs, wherein anoutput may be an autonomous function.

Further referring to FIG. 14 , training data may be filtered, sorted,and/or selected using one or more supervised and/or unsupervisedmachine-learning processes and/or models as described in further detailbelow; such models may include without limitation a training dataclassifier 1416. Training data classifier 1416 may include a“classifier,” which as used in this disclosure is a machine-learningmodel as defined below, such as a mathematical model, neural net, orprogram generated by a machine learning algorithm known as a“classification algorithm,” as described in further detail below, thatsorts inputs into categories or bins of data, outputting the categoriesor bins of data and/or labels associated therewith. A classifier may beconfigured to output at least a datum that labels or otherwiseidentifies a set of data that are clustered together, found to be closeunder a distance metric as described below, or the like.Machine-learning module 1400 may generate a classifier using aclassification algorithm, defined as a processes whereby a computingdevice and/or any module and/or component operating thereon derives aclassifier from training data 1404. Classification may be performedusing, without limitation, linear classifiers such as without limitationlogistic regression and/or naive Bayes classifiers, nearest neighborclassifiers such as k-nearest neighbors classifiers, support vectormachines, least squares support vector machines, fisher's lineardiscriminant, quadratic classifiers, decision trees, boosted trees,random forest classifiers, learning vector quantization, and/or neuralnetwork-based classifiers. As a non-limiting example, training dataclassifier 1616 may classify elements of training data to sub-categoriesof flight elements such as torques, forces, thrusts, directions, and thelike thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , machine-learning module 1400 may beconfigured to perform a lazy-learning process 1420 and/or protocol,which may alternatively be referred to as a “lazy loading” or“call-when-needed” process and/or protocol, may be a process wherebymachine learning is conducted upon receipt of an input to be convertedto an output, by combining the input and training set to derive thealgorithm to be used to produce the output on demand. For instance, aninitial set of simulations may be performed to cover an initialheuristic and/or “first guess” at an output and/or relationship. As anon-limiting example, an initial heuristic may include a ranking ofassociations between inputs and elements of training data 1404.Heuristic may include selecting some number of highest-rankingassociations and/or training data 1404 elements. Lazy learning mayimplement any suitable lazy learning algorithm, including withoutlimitation a K-nearest neighbors algorithm, a lazy naïve Bayesalgorithm, or the like; persons skilled in the art, upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure, will be aware of various lazy-learningalgorithms that may be applied to generate outputs as described in thisdisclosure, including without limitation lazy learning applications ofmachine-learning algorithms as described in further detail below.

Alternatively or additionally, and with continued reference to FIG. 14 ,machine-learning processes as described in this disclosure may be usedto generate machine-learning models 1424. A “machine-learning model,” asused in this disclosure, is a mathematical and/or algorithmicrepresentation of a relationship between inputs and outputs, asgenerated using any machine-learning process including withoutlimitation any process as described above and stored in memory; an inputis submitted to a machine-learning model 1424 once created, whichgenerates an output based on the relationship that was derived. Forinstance, and without limitation, a linear regression model, generatedusing a linear regression algorithm, may compute a linear combination ofinput data using coefficients derived during machine-learning processesto calculate an output datum. As a further non-limiting example, amachine-learning model 1424 may be generated by creating an artificialneural network, such as a convolutional neural network comprising aninput layer of nodes, one or more intermediate layers, and an outputlayer of nodes. Connections between nodes may be created via the processof “training” the network, in which elements from a training data 1404set are applied to the input nodes, a suitable training algorithm (suchas Levenberg-Marquardt, conjugate gradient, simulated annealing, orother algorithms) is then used to adjust the connections and weightsbetween nodes in adjacent layers of the neural network to produce thedesired values at the output nodes. This process is sometimes referredto as deep learning.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , machine-learning algorithms may include atleast a supervised machine-learning process 1428. At least a supervisedmachine-learning process 1428, as defined herein, include algorithmsthat receive a training set relating a number of inputs to a number ofoutputs, and seek to find one or more mathematical relations relatinginputs to outputs, where each of the one or more mathematical relationsis optimal according to some criterion specified to the algorithm usingsome scoring function. For instance, a supervised learning algorithm mayinclude flight elements and/or pilot signals as described above asinputs, autonomous functions as outputs, and a scoring functionrepresenting a desired form of relationship to be detected betweeninputs and outputs; scoring function may, for instance, seek to maximizethe probability that a given input and/or combination of elements inputsis associated with a given output to minimize the probability that agiven input is not associated with a given output. Scoring function maybe expressed as a risk function representing an “expected loss” of analgorithm relating inputs to outputs, where loss is computed as an errorfunction representing a degree to which a prediction generated by therelation is incorrect when compared to a given input-output pairprovided in training data 1404. Persons skilled in the art, uponreviewing the entirety of this disclosure, will be aware of variouspossible variations of at least a supervised machine-learning process1428 that may be used to determine relation between inputs and outputs.Supervised machine-learning processes may include classificationalgorithms as defined above.

Further referring to FIG. 14 , machine learning processes may include atleast an unsupervised machine-learning processes 1432. An unsupervisedmachine-learning process, as used herein, is a process that derivesinferences in datasets without regard to labels; as a result, anunsupervised machine-learning process may be free to discover anystructure, relationship, and/or correlation provided in the data.Unsupervised processes may not require a response variable; unsupervisedprocesses may be used to find interesting patterns and/or inferencesbetween variables, to determine a degree of correlation between two ormore variables, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 14 , machine-learning module 1400 may bedesigned and configured to create a machine-learning model 1424 usingtechniques for development of linear regression models. Linearregression models may include ordinary least squares regression, whichaims to minimize the square of the difference between predicted outcomesand actual outcomes according to an appropriate norm for measuring sucha difference (e.g. a vector-space distance norm); coefficients of theresulting linear equation may be modified to improve minimization.Linear regression models may include ridge regression methods, where thefunction to be minimized includes the least-squares function plus termmultiplying the square of each coefficient by a scalar amount topenalize large coefficients. Linear regression models may include leastabsolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) models, in which ridgeregression is combined with multiplying the least-squares term by afactor of 1 divided by double the number of samples. Linear regressionmodels may include a multi-task lasso model wherein the norm applied inthe least-squares term of the lasso model is the Frobenius normamounting to the square root of the sum of squares of all terms. Linearregression models may include the elastic net model, a multi-taskelastic net model, a least angle regression model, a LARS lasso model,an orthogonal matching pursuit model, a Bayesian regression model, alogistic regression model, a stochastic gradient descent model, aperceptron model, a passive aggressive algorithm, a robustnessregression model, a Huber regression model, or any other suitable modelthat may occur to persons skilled in the art upon reviewing the entiretyof this disclosure. Linear regression models may be generalized in anembodiment to polynomial regression models, whereby a polynomialequation (e.g. a quadratic, cubic or higher-order equation) providing abest predicted output/actual output fit is sought; similar methods tothose described above may be applied to minimize error functions, aswill be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reviewing theentirety of this disclosure.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 14 , machine-learning algorithms mayinclude, without limitation, linear discriminant analysis.Machine-learning algorithm may include quadratic discriminate analysis.Machine-learning algorithms may include kernel ridge regression.Machine-learning algorithms may include support vector machines,including without limitation support vector classification-basedregression processes. Machine-learning algorithms may include stochasticgradient descent algorithms, including classification and regressionalgorithms based on stochastic gradient descent. Machine-learningalgorithms may include nearest neighbors algorithms. Machine-learningalgorithms may include Gaussian processes such as Gaussian ProcessRegression. Machine-learning algorithms may include cross-decompositionalgorithms, including partial least squares and/or canonical correlationanalysis. Machine-learning algorithms may include naïve Bayes methods.Machine-learning algorithms may include algorithms based on decisiontrees, such as decision tree classification or regression algorithms.Machine-learning algorithms may include ensemble methods such as baggingmeta-estimator, forest of randomized tress, AdaBoost, gradient treeboosting, and/or voting classifier methods. Machine-learning algorithmsmay include neural net algorithms, including convolutional neural netprocesses.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , an exemplary method 1500 of charging,utilizing an electric vehicle port, an electric vehicle. An electricvehicle may include any electric vehicle described in this disclosure,for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Connector may include anyconnector described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 . At step 1505, method 1500 may include mating, utilizing ahousing of an electric vehicle port, with a connector of an electricvehicle. Housing may include any housing described in this disclosure,for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Electric vehicle port mayinclude any electric vehicle port described in this disclosure, forexample with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Connector may include anyconnector as described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 . In some cases, housing may include a fastener for removableattachment with a connector. Fastener may include any fastener describedin this disclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

With continued reference to FIG. 15 , at step 1510, method 1500 mayinclude conducting, utilizing at least a conductor of an electricvehicle port, a current. The conductor may include any conductor asdescribed in the entirety of this disclosure. The current may includeany current as described in detail throughout the entirety of thisdisclosure. Method 1500 may further include conducting, using at least adirect current conductor, a direct current. Direct current conductor mayinclude any conductor described in this disclosure, for example withreference to FIGS. 1-14 . Direct current may include any direct currentdescribed in this disclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .In some embodiments, conducting direct current may additionally includeconducting, using at least a direct current conductor, one or more of atleast 10 Kilowatts of power and at least 10 Amps of current. Further,method 1500 may include conducting, using at least an alternatingcurrent conductor, an alternating current. Alternating current conductormay include any conductor described in this disclosure, for example withreference to FIGS. 1-14 . Alternating current may include anyalternating current described in this disclosure, for example withreference to FIGS. 1-14 . In some embodiments, conducting alternatingcurrent conducting, using at least an alternating current conductor, oneor more of at least 10 Kilowatts of power and at least 10 Amps ofcurrent.

With continued reference to FIG. 15 , at step 1515, method 1500 mayinclude conducting, utilizing at least a control signal conductor of theelectric vehicle port, a control signal. Control signal conductor mayinclude any conductor described in this disclosure, for example withreference to FIGS. 1-14 . Control signal may include any signaldescribed in this disclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

With continued reference to FIG. 15 at step 1520, method 1500 mayinclude conducting, u utilizing at least a ground conductor of theelectric vehicle port, to a ground. Ground conductor may include anyconductor described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 . Ground may include any ground described in this disclosure,for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

With continued reference to FIG. 15 , at step 1525, method 1500 mayinclude containing, utilizing at least a coolant flow path of theelectric vehicle port, a flow of a coolant. Coolant flow path mayinclude any coolant flow path described in this disclosure, for examplewith reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Flow of a coolant may include any flow ofa coolant and/or coolant flow described in this disclosure, for examplewith reference to FIGS. 1-14 . In some embodiments, at least a coolantflow path is located in thermal communication with one or more of atleast a direct current conductor and at least an alternating currentconductor. In some cases, method 1500 additionally includes transferringheat generated by one or more of alternating current and direct currentinto coolant. Coolant may include any coolant described in thisdisclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . In someembodiments, coolant may substantially include a gas. In some cases,each of at least a direct current conductor, at least an alternatingcurrent conductor, at least a control signal conductor, at least aground conductor, and at least a coolant flow path is configured to makea connection with a mating component on the connector when the housingis mated with the connector. Mating component may include any matingcomponent described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 .

With continued reference to FIG. 15 , in an embodiment and withoutlimitation, method 1500 may include conducting, using at least aproximity signal conductor, a proximity signal indicative of attachmentwith connector when housing is mated with the connector. Proximitysignal conductor may include any conductor described in this disclosure,for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Proximity signal may includeany signal described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 . In some embodiments, method 1500 may additionally includegenerating, using a proximity sensor electrically communicative with atleast a proximity signal conductor, proximity signal, when housing ismated with the connector. Proximity sensor may include any sensordescribed in this disclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, method 1500 mayadditionally include sealing, using a seal, at least a coolant flow pathand its associated mating component together at a joint, when housing ismated with the connector. Seal may include any seal described in thisdisclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Joint may includeany joint described in this disclosure, for example with reference toFIGS. 1-14 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, method 1500 mayadditionally include conducting, using one or more of at least a directcurrent conductor and at least an alternating current conductor, acommunication signal by way of power line communication. Communicationsignal may include any signal described in this disclosure, for examplewith reference to FIGS. 1-14 . Power line communication may include anypower line communication process described in this disclosure, forexample with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, method 1500 mayadditionally include mating, using housing, with a test port. In somecases, method 1500 may additionally include testing, using test port,functionality of one or more of at least a direct current conductor, atleast an alternating current conductor, at least a control signalconductor, at least a ground conductor, at least a coolant flow path,and at least a proximity conductor. Test port may include any test portdescribed in this disclosure, for example with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, method 1500 mayadditionally include charging using at least a conductor, at least abattery of electric vehicle. Conductor may include any conductordescribed in this disclosure, including with reference to FIGS. 1-14 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in some embodiments, method 1500 mayadditionally include charging, using the connector and/or electricaircraft port, an electric aircraft. Electric aircraft may include anyelectric aircraft described in this disclosure, including with referenceto FIGS. 1-14 .

Exemplary embodiments may be further understood without limitation, withreference to the table below.

Min. Max. Nom. Electrical charging 1 KW 200 KW 20 KW current power (AC)Electrical charging 10 Amps 450Amps 80 Amps current (AC) Electricalcharging 1 KW 250 KW 25 KW current power (DC) Electrical charging 10Amps 500 Amps 50 Amps current (DC) Battery acceptable −30° C. +50° C. 0°C. temperature change during charging Conductor acceptable −30° C. +50°C. 0° C. temperature change during charging Coolant Air, water,water-glycol mix, anti-freeze, Fluorinert ™, ethylene glycol, propyleneglycol, any combination thereof, and the like. Connector-Port MatedFirst: coolant flow source, proximity contact, isolation monitor matingsequence contacts. Mated Last: AC conductor, DC conductor, controlsignal. Conductor materials Copper, copper-alloys, noble metals,non-noble metals, carbon, diamond, graphite, platinum group metals, andthe like. Conductor coatings Copper, copper-alloys, noble metals,non-noble metals, carbon, diamond, graphite, hard gold, hard goldflashed palladium-nickel (e.g., 80/20), tin, silver, diamond-likecarbon, platinum-group metals, and the like.

It is to be noted that any one or more of the aspects and embodimentsdescribed herein may be conveniently implemented using one or moremachines (e.g., one or more computing devices that are utilized as auser computing device for an electronic document, one or more serverdevices, such as a document server, etc.) programmed according to theteachings of the present specification, as will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the computer art. Appropriate software coding canreadily be prepared by skilled programmers based on the teachings of thepresent disclosure, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe software art. Aspects and implementations discussed above employingsoftware and/or software modules may also include appropriate hardwarefor assisting in the implementation of the machine executableinstructions of the software and/or software module.

Such software may be a computer program product that employs amachine-readable storage medium. A machine-readable storage medium maybe any medium that is capable of storing and/or encoding a sequence ofinstructions for execution by a machine (e.g., a computing device) andthat causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologies and/orembodiments described herein. Examples of a machine-readable storagemedium include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk, an optical disc(e.g., CD, CD-R, DVD, DVD-R, etc.), a magneto-optical disk, a read-onlymemory “ROM” device, a random-access memory “RAM” device, a magneticcard, an optical card, a solid-state memory device, an EPROM, an EEPROM,and any combinations thereof. A machine-readable medium, as used herein,is intended to include a single medium as well as a collection ofphysically separate media, such as, for example, a collection of compactdiscs or one or more hard disk drives in combination with a computermemory. As used herein, a machine-readable storage medium does notinclude transitory forms of signal transmission.

Such software may also include information (e.g., data) carried as adata signal on a data carrier, such as a carrier wave. For example,machine-executable information may be included as a data-carrying signalembodied in a data carrier in which the signal encodes a sequence ofinstruction, or portion thereof, for execution by a machine (e.g., acomputing device) and any related information (e.g., data structures anddata) that causes the machine to perform any one of the methodologiesand/or embodiments described herein.

Examples of a computing device include, but are not limited to, anelectronic book reading device, a computer workstation, a terminalcomputer, a server computer, a handheld device (e.g., a tablet computer,a smartphone, etc.), a web appliance, a network router, a networkswitch, a network bridge, any machine capable of executing a sequence ofinstructions that specify an action to be taken by that machine, and anycombinations thereof. In one example, a computing device may includeand/or be included in a kiosk.

FIG. 16 shows a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of acomputing device in the exemplary form of a computer system 1600 withinwhich a set of instructions for causing a control system to perform anyone or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the presentdisclosure may be executed. It is also contemplated that multiplecomputing devices may be utilized to implement a specially configuredset of instructions for causing one or more of the devices to performany one or more of the aspects and/or methodologies of the presentdisclosure. Computer system 1600 includes a processor 1604 and a memory1608 that communicate with each other, and with other components, via abus 1612. Bus 1612 may include any of several types of bus structuresincluding, but not limited to, a memory bus, a memory controller, aperipheral bus, a local bus, and any combinations thereof, using any ofa variety of bus architectures.

Processor 1604 may include any suitable processor, such as withoutlimitation a processor incorporating logical circuitry for performingarithmetic and logical operations, such as an arithmetic and logic unit(ALU), which may be regulated with a state machine and directed byoperational inputs from memory and/or sensors; processor 1604 may beorganized according to Von Neumann and/or Harvard architecture as anon-limiting example. Processor 1604 may include, incorporate, and/or beincorporated in, without limitation, a microcontroller, microprocessor,digital signal processor (DSP), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA),Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Graphical Processing Unit(GPU), general purpose GPU, Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), analog ormixed signal processor, Trusted Platform Module (TPM), a floating-pointunit (FPU), and/or system on a chip (SoC).

Memory 1608 may include various components (e.g., machine-readablemedia) including, but not limited to, a random-access memory component,a read only component, and any combinations thereof. In one example, abasic input/output system 1616 (BIOS), including basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within computer system1600, such as during start-up, may be stored in memory 1608. Memory 1608may also include (e.g., stored on one or more machine-readable media)instructions (e.g., software) 1620 embodying any one or more of theaspects and/or methodologies of the present disclosure. In anotherexample, memory 1608 may further include any number of program modulesincluding, but not limited to, an operating system, one or moreapplication programs, other program modules, program data, and anycombinations thereof.

Computer system 1600 may also include a storage device 1624. Examples ofa storage device (e.g., storage device 1624) include, but are notlimited to, a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical discdrive in combination with an optical medium, a solid-state memorydevice, and any combinations thereof. Storage device 1624 may beconnected to bus 1612 by an appropriate interface (not shown). Exampleinterfaces include, but are not limited to, SCSI, advanced technologyattachment (ATA), serial ATA, universal serial bus (USB), IEEE 1394(FIREWIRE), and any combinations thereof. In one example, storage device1624 (or one or more components thereof) may be removably interfacedwith computer system 1600 (e.g., via an external port connector (notshown)). Particularly, storage device 1624 and an associatedmachine-readable medium 1628 may provide nonvolatile and/or volatilestorage of machine-readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, and/or other data for computer system 1600. In one example,software 1620 may reside, completely or partially, withinmachine-readable medium 1628. In another example, software 1620 mayreside, completely or partially, within processor 1604.

Computer system 1600 may also include an input device 1632. In oneexample, a user of computer system 1600 may enter commands and/or otherinformation into computer system 1600 via input device 1632. Examples ofan input device 1632 include, but are not limited to, an alpha-numericinput device (e.g., a keyboard), a pointing device, a joystick, agamepad, an audio input device (e.g., a microphone, a voice responsesystem, etc.), a cursor control device (e.g., a mouse), a touchpad, anoptical scanner, a video capture device (e.g., a still camera, a videocamera), a touchscreen, and any combinations thereof. Input device 1632may be interfaced to bus 1612 via any of a variety of interfaces (notshown) including, but not limited to, a serial interface, a parallelinterface, a game port, a USB interface, a FIREWIRE interface, a directinterface to bus 1612, and any combinations thereof. Input device 1632may include a touch screen interface that may be a part of or separatefrom display 1636, discussed further below. Input device 1632 may beutilized as a user selection device for selecting one or more graphicalrepresentations in a graphical interface as described above.

A user may also input commands and/or other information to computersystem 1600 via storage device 1624 (e.g., a removable disk drive, aflash drive, etc.) and/or network interface device 1640. A networkinterface device, such as network interface device 1640, may be utilizedfor connecting computer system 1600 to one or more of a variety ofnetworks, such as network 1644, and one or more remote devices 1648connected thereto. Examples of a network interface device include, butare not limited to, a network interface card (e.g., a mobile networkinterface card, a LAN card), a modem, and any combination thereof.Examples of a network include, but are not limited to, a wide areanetwork (e.g., the Internet, an enterprise network), a local areanetwork (e.g., a network associated with an office, a building, a campusor other relatively small geographic space), a telephone network, a datanetwork associated with a telephone/voice provider (e.g., a mobilecommunications provider data and/or voice network), a direct connectionbetween two computing devices, and any combinations thereof. A network,such as network 1644, may employ a wired and/or a wireless mode ofcommunication. In general, any network topology may be used. Information(e.g., data, software 1620, etc.) may be communicated to and/or fromcomputer system 1600 via network interface device 1640.

Computer system 1600 may further include a video display adapter 1652for communicating a displayable image to a display device, such asdisplay device 1636. Examples of a display device include, but are notlimited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT), aplasma display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, and anycombinations thereof. Display adapter 1652 and display device 1636 maybe utilized in combination with processor 1604 to provide graphicalrepresentations of aspects of the present disclosure. In addition to adisplay device, computer system 1600 may include one or more otherperipheral output devices including, but not limited to, an audiospeaker, a printer, and any combinations thereof. Such peripheral outputdevices may be connected to bus 1612 via a peripheral interface 1656.Examples of a peripheral interface include, but are not limited to, aserial port, a USB connection, a FIREWIRE connection, a parallelconnection, and any combinations thereof.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of illustrativeembodiments of the invention. Various modifications and additions can bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.Features of each of the various embodiments described above may becombined with features of other described embodiments as appropriate inorder to provide a multiplicity of feature combinations in associatednew embodiments. Furthermore, while the foregoing describes a number ofseparate embodiments, what has been described herein is merelyillustrative of the application of the principles of the presentinvention. Additionally, although particular methods herein may beillustrated and/or described as being performed in a specific order, theordering is highly variable within ordinary skill to achieve methods,systems, and software according to the present disclosure. Accordingly,this description is meant to be taken only by way of example, and not tootherwise limit the scope of this invention.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric vehicle port for charging an electricvehicle, the electric vehicle port comprising: a housing configured tomate with a connector for charging an electric vehicle, wherein thehousing comprises a fastener for removable attachment with theconnector; at least a conductor configured to conduct a current; atleast a control signal conductor configured to conduct a control signal;at least a ground conductor configured to conduct to a ground; and atleast a coolant flow path configured to contain a flow of a coolant,wherein, each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signalconductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolantflow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component onthe connector for charging the electric vehicle when the housing ismated with the connector.
 2. The electric vehicle port of claim 1,wherein the at least a conductor is further configured to charge atleast a battery of the electric vehicle.
 3. The electric vehicle port ofclaim 2, further comprising at least a sensor configured to detect acharacteristic of the at least a battery.
 4. The electric vehicle portof claim 1, wherein the at least a conductor comprises at least a directcurrent conductor configured to conduct a direct current.
 5. Theelectric vehicle port of claim 1, wherein the at least a conductorcomprises at least an alternating current conductor configured toconduct an alternating current.
 6. The electric vehicle port of claim 1,further comprising a seal configured to seal the at least a coolant flowpath and its associated mating component together at a joint, when thehousing is mated with the connector.
 7. The electric vehicle port ofclaim 1, wherein the at least a conductor is further configured toconduct a communication signal by way of power line communication. 8.The electric vehicle port of claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle portis configured for charging an electric aircraft.
 9. The electric vehicleport of claim 1, further comprising a proximity sensor electricallycommunicative with the at least a proximity signal conductor andconfigured to generate a proximity signal, when the housing is matedwith the connector.
 10. The electric vehicle port of claim 1, furthercomprising at least a proximity signal conductor configured to conduct aproximity signal indicative of attachment with the connector forcharging the electric vehicle when the housing is mated with theconnector.
 11. A method of charging, utilizing an electric vehicle port,an electric vehicle, the method comprising: mating, utilizing a housingof an electric vehicle port, with a connector for charging an electricvehicle, wherein the housing comprises a fastener for removableattachment with the connector; conducting, utilizing at least aconductor of the electric vehicle port, a current; conducting, utilizingat least a control signal conductor of the electric vehicle port, acontrol signal; conducting, utilizing at least a ground conductor of theelectric vehicle port, to a ground; and containing, utilizing at least acoolant flow path of the electric vehicle port, a flow of a coolant,wherein each of the at least a conductor, the at least a control signalconductor, the at least a ground conductor, and the at least a coolantflow path are configured to make a connection with a mating component onthe connector when the housing is mated with the connector.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising charging, using the at least aconductor, at least a battery of the electric vehicle.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, further comprising conducting, utilizing at least a directcurrent conductor of the electric vehicle port, a direct current. 14.The method of claim 11, further comprising conducting, utilizing atleast an alternating current conductor of the electric vehicle port, analternating current.
 15. The method of claim 11, further comprisingsealing, utilizing a seal, the at least a coolant flow path and itsassociated mating component together at a joint, when the housing ismated with the connector.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprisingconducting, at least a conductor of the electric vehicle port, acommunication signal by way of power line communication.
 17. The methodof claim 11, wherein the coolant substantially comprises a gas.
 18. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising charging, utilizing the electricvehicle port, an electric aircraft.
 19. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising generating, utilizing a proximity sensor electricallycommunicative with the at least a proximity signal conductor, theproximity signal, when the housing is mated with the connector.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising conducting, utilizing at least aproximity signal conductor, a proximity signal indicative of attachmentwith the connector for charging the electric vehicle when the housing ismated with the connector.